Full Answer Section

1. • Specifically: When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the measles virus are expelled into the air. People nearby can inhale these droplets and become infected. The virus can also land on surfaces, and if a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected.
2. State Recommended Treatments, If Any for This Disease: There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Recommended treatments include:
   • Rest
   • Drinking plenty of fluids
   • Using a humidifier to ease cough and sore throat
   • Pain relievers to reduce fever and aches
   • Vitamin A supplementation (for some individuals, especially children in developing countries or those with deficiencies)
3. List Three Ways A Local Community Can Prevent or Reduce Impacts of This Disease: A. Maintain high vaccination rates: Ensure that all eligible individuals, especially children, receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine according to the recommended schedule. B. Implement rapid identification and isolation of cases: Establish protocols for quickly identifying suspected measles cases, testing to confirm diagnosis, and isolating infected individuals to prevent further spread. C. Conduct thorough contact tracing and post-exposure prophylaxis: Identify individuals who may have been exposed to measles and offer post-exposure prophylaxis, such as the MMR vaccine or immune globulin, to prevent or lessen the severity of the illness.
4. A. Locate and Insert A Recent Map Showing This Disease’s U.S. Geodemographics [Insert Map Here, Delete This Instruction – You would insert a map showing recent measles cases or outbreaks in the U.S. from the CDC website] B. Cite Your Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), [Insert Specific Link to Map Source]
5. What Can You Do To Protect Your Friends and Family From This Disease: Ensure that you and your family members are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine. If someone is not vaccinated, encourage them to get vaccinated. If someone in your household is sick with measles, isolate them from others who are not immune.
6. What Can You Do To Protect Yourself From This Disease: Get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, consult your healthcare provider. Practice good hygiene, such as covering your coughs and sneezes.
7. How Should the Federal Government Protect Americans From This Disease? The federal government should:
   • Maintain and promote high national vaccination rates through public health campaigns and support for state and local immunization programs.
   • Conduct national surveillance of measles cases and outbreaks, providing timely information to healthcare providers and the public.
   • Support research into improved diagnostics, treatments, and prevention strategies.
   • Collaborate with international health organizations to control and prevent the spread of measles globally.
8. Please Discuss Gender Related Challenges Preventing or Reducing This Disease. Gender-related challenges can include differences in healthcare-seeking behaviors, where men might be less likely to seek preventative care or vaccination. In some communities, cultural norms might place the responsibility for children’s health, including vaccination, primarily on women, and their access to information or healthcare services might be limited. Additionally, during outbreaks, gender roles might influence exposure risks if certain occupations or caregiving responsibilities are disproportionately held by one gender.

II. WATERBORNE COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

WATERBORNE DISEASE ONE

1. A. Common Name of Disease: Giardiasis B. Scientific Name of Disease: Giardiasis
2. A. Scientific Name of Causative Organism: Giardia duodenalis (also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia lamblia) B. Is This Disease Bacterial, Viral, Fungal, or Other: Protozoan (Parasitic)
3. Describe, BOTH Generally AND Specifically, How This Disease Is Transmitted to Humans:
   • Generally: Giardiasis is spread by ingesting Giardia cysts found in feces-contaminated water or food. This can happen through drinking untreated water or eating contaminated food.
   • Specifically: People can become infected by:
     • Drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, or wells that has been contaminated with feces from infected animals or humans.
     • Swallowing recreational water (e.g., swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes) that is contaminated with Giardia.
     • Eating food contaminated with Giardia cysts due to poor hygiene by food handlers.
     • Accidentally swallowing Giardia cysts picked up from surfaces contaminated with feces, such as changing tables or toys.
     • Person-to-person transmission can also occur through fecal-oral contact, especially in settings like daycare centers.
4. State Recommended Treatments, If Any for This Disease: Several prescription medications are effective in treating giardiasis, including:
   • Metronidazole
   • Tinidazole
   • Nitazoxanide The choice of medication depends on factors such as the patient’s age and medical history.
5. List Three Ways A Local Community Can Prevent or Reduce Impacts of This Disease: A. Ensure safe drinking water supplies: Implement and maintain effective water treatment processes, including filtration and disinfection, for public water systems. Regularly test water sources for fecal contamination. B. Promote proper hygiene practices: Educate the public on the importance of thorough handwashing, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. C. Implement regulations for recreational water facilities: Establish and enforce standards for the disinfection and maintenance of swimming pools, hot tubs, and other recreational water areas. Educate users about not swallowing the water.
6. A. Locate and Insert A Recent Map Showing This Disease’s U.S. Geodemographics [Insert Map Here, Delete This Instruction – You would insert a map showing recent giardiasis cases or incidence in the U.S. from the CDC website] B. Cite Your Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), [Insert Specific Link to Map Source]
7. What Can You Do To Protect Your Friends and Family From This Disease: Use safe water sources for drinking and cooking. If using untreated water, boil it for one minute (three minutes at high altitudes). Practice good hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. Avoid swallowing water when swimming or playing in recreational water.