This week, you will research an emerging disease.
Healthcare providers throughout the United States are required to report these diseases to their local public health department. Local public health departments report to the state health departments and the state departments report the info to the CDC. This is the public health chain of command.
Review the reportable disease list
for Los Angeles County as well as the interactive information sheets on HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and influenza in this week’s media folder. Choose a disease from the reportable disease list and submit a 2- to 3-page paper in which you answer the following questions:
- What public health and education measures have been taken during recent outbreaks to monitor and track the disease you chose in the community?
- What else is being done about this disease from a public health standpoint? Address the actions taken by community agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies such as the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotions.
Your paper must be 2–3 pages in length; include evidence or information from at least two credible external sources, and follow APA style for formatting and citation.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: As a medical professor, you are responsible for designing and grading assignments for medical college students. One of the assignments requires research on an emerging disease and the public health measures undertaken to monitor and track the disease.
Answer:
The disease I chose from the reportable disease list for Los Angeles County is Hepatitis C. This is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause both acute and chronic illnesses. Hepatitis C is a significant public health problem in the United States, with an estimated 2.4 million people living with the disease.
During recent outbreaks of Hepatitis C, public health and education measures have been taken to monitor and track the disease in the community. These measures include increased screening and testing efforts, treatment programs, and public education campaigns. Public health officials have been tracking reported cases and their sources to identify outbreaks and prevent further transmission.
From a public health standpoint, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotions and other government agencies have taken several actions to address Hepatitis C. These include funding research on prevention and treatment, developing guidelines for screening and testing, and providing funding for treatment programs. Community agencies and not-for-profit organizations have also been involved in efforts to prevent and treat Hepatitis C. Some of these organizations provide education and support for people living with the disease, and others work to increase access to testing and treatment.
In conclusion, while Hepatitis C is a serious public health problem, there are steps being taken by various agencies and organizations to address the issue. Continued efforts are needed to prevent new infections and improve access to treatment for those affected by the disease.
