Review the Learning Resources, focusing on the smallpox and polio epidemics and how health organizations applied principles of epidemiology to eradicate (or in the case of polio, nearly eradicate) these diseases.
In light of these examples, consider the benefits of addressing smallpox and polio at the population level. What were the population health strategies that were used in the efforts to eradicate smallpox and polio?
Consider similarities and differences from an epidemiologic perspective among the smallpox and polio epidemics and that of COVID-19.
Think about how principles of epidemiology are being applied—or could be applied—to address COVID-19.
What lessons from the use of infectious disease epidemiology in the past might be applicable to controlling COVID 19?
What are the benefits of addressing this issue at the population level as opposed to the individual level?
By Day 3 of Week 9
Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:
Briefly summarize the epidemiologic differences among the three diseases and how principles of epidemiology are being applied—or could be applied—to address COVID-19.
Are there any lessons learned from the use of epidemiology in the eradication of smallpox and polio that could be applied to COVID-19?
Evaluate the benefits of addressing this health problem at the population level versus the individual level.
Sample Answer
Addressing infectious diseases like smallpox, polio, and COVID-19 at the population level is crucial because it allows health organizations to implement large-scale, coordinated strategies—such as mass vaccination and surveillance—that effectively disrupt the chain of transmission, providing benefits far exceeding individual treatment.
Epidemiologic Differences and COVID-19 Application
The three diseases—smallpox, polio, and COVID-19—exhibit key differences that dictated the public health strategies used, even while the core principles of epidemiology (surveillance, investigation, control) remained constant.
Application of Epidemiology to COVID-19
Principles of epidemiology are fundamentally applied to COVID-19 in the following ways:
Surveillance: This involves tracking disease incidence, prevalence, mortality, and hospitalization rates. Critically, genomic surveillance (a principle applied broadly in modern epidemiology) is used to monitor the emergence and spread of new, more transmissible or virulent variants (e.g., Delta, Omicron) that require adjustments to public health measures.
Case Investigation and Contact Tracing: Historically a core tool, it was applied to COVID-19, though its effectiveness was often overwhelmed by the high transmissibility and high rate of asymptomatic spread.
Data Modeling and Risk Assessment: Epidemiologic models are constantly used to project future cases, hospital capacity needs, and assess the impact of interventions like masking or social distancing.
Lessons from Smallpox and Polio Eradication
The historical successes against smallpox and polio offer critical, applicable lessons for controlling COVID-19, particularly in the realm of population health strategy.