ASSIGNMENT 15
February 6th, 2023
Based on your understanding of the SARS case study, answer the following questions:
In your opinion, what could be the possible reasons of a sudden outbreak of new disease?
- What are the ways of addressing a new and virulent contagious disease?
- Discuss in detail about the countries, which have faced epidemics in the past. What would have been the possible reasons for such outbreaks?
Use the following resources as well as other outside resources for this assignment.
Cheng, F. W. T., Ng, P. C., Chiu, W. K., Chu, W. C. W., Li, A. M., Lo, K. L., . . . Fok, T. F. (2005). A case-control study of SARS versus community acquired pneumonia. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 90(7), 747-749. doi:10.1136/adc.2004.063446
McLean, A., & Royal Society (Great Britain). (2005;2006;). SARS: A case study in emerging infections. Oxford;New York;: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198568193.001.0001
Answer:
- Possible reasons for sudden outbreak of new diseases:
- Emergence of a new virus or mutation of existing virus.
- Increase in human and animal populations leading to close contact and higher chances of transmission.
- Breakdown of public health infrastructure and limited resources.
- Climate change leading to changes in ecosystems and the spread of disease-causing agents.
- Lack of awareness and understanding about the disease, leading to non-adherence to public health measures.
- Addressing a new and virulent contagious disease:
- Rapid identification and containment of the outbreak.
- Implementation of public health measures such as isolation, quarantine, and vaccination.
- Development of diagnostic tests and treatments.
- Strengthening of the public health infrastructure and disease surveillance systems.
- Collaboration between international organizations and governments to share resources and information.
- Past epidemics in different countries:
- SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak in 2003 originating from China, spread to several countries in Asia, North America and Europe. Possible reasons included poor infection control practices in healthcare settings and high density of animal population in wet markets.
- Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016, affecting multiple countries in the region. Possible reasons included limited healthcare infrastructure and lack of awareness about the disease.
- H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic in 2009, originating in Mexico and spreading globally. Possible reasons included high levels of global travel and interactions between humans and animals.
Sources:
- Cheng, F. W. T. et al. (2005). A case-control study of SARS versus community acquired pneumonia.
- McLean, A. & Royal Society (Great Britain) (2005;2006). SARS: A case study in emerging infections.