The Dynamics of Disease Heath E. Capello NSF North Mississippi GK-8 University of Mississippi April 2006

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 The Run of the Show  What are diseases and how are they studied?  What are some common diseases in Mississippi and how are they prevented?

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 What is a disease?  Any condition of an organism that impairs normal functioning

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 What is epidemiology?  A branch of science dealing with the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population  Therefore, the person who studies diseases is an epidemiologist

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Communicable diseases  Diseases that are transmittable  What diseases could affect you?  What are the symptoms?  How can you decrease your risk of contracting them?

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Communicable diseases  West Nile Virus  Influenza  Hepatitis A

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 West Nile Virus  As of November 30, 2005, 70 cases and 6 deaths in MS

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 West Nile Virus Symptoms  Approximately 20% of infections result in minor illness Stomach problems Stomach problems Headaches Headaches  1 out of 150 end up as severe cases Neuro/muscular problems Neuro/muscular problems General weakness and change in mental state General weakness and change in mental state

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 West Nile Virus Prevention  Reduce standing water Empty, turn over, and/or recycle cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, tires, wheelbarrows, wading pools, etc. Empty, turn over, and/or recycle cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, tires, wheelbarrows, wading pools, etc. Do not allow water gardens or ornamental ponds to stand still or stagnate Do not allow water gardens or ornamental ponds to stand still or stagnate Use mosquito fish in ponds or water gardens Use mosquito fish in ponds or water gardens Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week Clean rain gutters so water flows freely Clean rain gutters so water flows freely  Where protective clothing: long sleeves, pants, and socks  Avoid working in hours of dusk and dawn

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Influenza  A contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses  The main way that influenza viruses are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. Up to 3 feet Up to 3 feet Indirect contact before washing their hands. Indirect contact before washing their hands.  Contagiousness One day before he or she feels sick One day before he or she feels sick 3-7 days after symptoms start 3-7 days after symptoms start Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Influenza vs. The Common Cold atic/14,0,199.html#ColdFlu

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Influenza Prevention  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  Stay home when you are sick.  When coughing and/or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose.  Wash your hands.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Hepatitis A  A liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus  Spread by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A Exchange of bodily fluids or sex with a person infected with has hepatitis A. Exchange of bodily fluids or sex with a person infected with has hepatitis A.  Casual contact, as in the usual office, factory, or school setting, does not spread the virus.

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Hepatitis A Symptoms  jaundice  fatigue  abdominal pain  loss of appetite  nausea  diarrhea  fever

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Hepatitis A Prevention  Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food.  Vaccine  Good and safe personal hygiene

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Antibiotic resistance  Bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the efficacy of the drugs designed to cure or prevent the infection.  These bacteria survive and multiply causing more damage.

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Why does antibiotic resistance happen?  Widespread and overuse of antibiotics increases the likelihood of antibiotic resistance.  Antibiotics should be used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like the common cold, most sore throats, and the flu.

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 How do we stop antibiotic resistance?  Talk with your doctor and ask questions about antibiotic resistance.  Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the flu.  Always take all of your antibiotic regiment. Do not save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick.  Take an antibiotic exactly as the doctor prescribes.  Do not take someone else’s antibiotic.

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Hand washing  Wet hands completely under running warm water  Apply soap  Scrub vigorously for at least 15 seconds and wash in between fingers and all sides of the hands  Keep hands at a downward angle to flush soap and water away from body  Rinse thoroughly and dry well without touching any contaminated object

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Taking risks and changing behaviors  Risk – the possibility of loss or injury  Behavior - the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment  Risk Analysis - a technique identifies and assesses factors that may cause loss identifies and assesses factors that may cause loss helps define preventive measures helps define preventive measures develops countermeasures to successfully deal with loss develops countermeasures to successfully deal with loss

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 Review  Disease  Epidemiology  Communicable disease  Risk  Disease facts and prevention

NSF North Mississippi GK-8 References  Center for Disease Control:  Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:  Mississippi Department of Health:  Multnomah Education Service District:  New Mexico Department of Health:  Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia: