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Introduction:

As a medical professor responsible for designing college assignments and answers for medical college students, the applications of epidemiology are critical in conducting lectures, assessing student performance and providing feedback through examinations and assignments. This essay aims to answer two questions on epidemiology.

Question 1: Using the basics and applications of epidemiology from your weekly readings as a guideline, articulate in your own words the initial steps you would take in applying techniques in a field investigation of a childhood disease.

The first step in a field investigation of a childhood disease is to gather preliminary data on the disease, including the number of cases, the affected age groups, the geographic location, and the symptoms of the disease. The second step is to define the case or cases. This involves defining the disease’s clinical features, establishing diagnostic criteria, identifying symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers and finding the source of the infection. Third, in identifying the source, the field investigators must conduct laboratory tests on samples from the suspected source and compare them with samples from the cases. Fourth, the epidemiologists must establish control measures in containing the spread of the disease. This involves the isolation of cases to limit transmission, the application of antibiotics if the disease is bacterial, and the promotion of vaccination if available. Fifth, the investigators must identify and assess the population at risk of the disease and establish preventive measures that address any identified risk factors.

Question 2: From the first e-Activity, evaluate, from a cost perspective, your state’s stand on the particular childhood disease you researched, and recommend at least five (5) steps to optimize on the present plan.

From a cost perspective, my state’s stand on the childhood disease I researched was fair. However, there is room for optimization of the present plan. The following are five recommended steps to optimize the plan. First, the state should invest in public education campaigns that focus on disease prevention and control. Second, the state should establish and fund public vaccination programs to minimize disease transmission. Third, the state should establish incentives for healthcare providers to report suspected cases of the disease promptly. Fourth, the state should support research on vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics for the disease. Fifth, the state should develop emergency preparedness plans to ensure a rapid response to disease outbreaks. Such optimization will help decrease the burden of childhood disease and support a healthy population.