Management Of Communicable Diseases Research Articles

Technology evaluation of a USA-Mexico health information system for epidemiological surveillance of Mexican migrant workers.

From 1994 through 1996, federal, state, and nongovernmental organizations in Mexico and in the United States of America developed and piloted a Binational Health Information System for Epidemiological Surveillance of Mexican migrant workers. The system allowed data exchange for epidemiological surveillance between the state of Guanajuato in Mexico and the Commonwealth (state) of Pennsylvania in the United States, for case detection, prevention, and treatment, through shared contact investigation and case management of communicable diseases. The target population consisted of migrant workers traveling between Guanajuato and Pennsylvania to work mainly in the mushroom industry, and their sexual partners in their Mexican communities of origin. Computerized migrant health information modules were set up in Guanajuato and in Pennsylvania. Patient information and epidemiological surveillance data were encrypted and communicated electronically between the modules, using the WONDER communications system of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evaluation of the Guanajuato-Pennsylvania Binational Health Information System showed that major barriers to binational epidemiological surveillance and control are: a) lack of communication binationally; b) interrupted medical care due to migration; c) inconsistent diagnosis and treatment criteria between the two countries; d) lack of referral clinical records from one country to the other; and e) deficient legal regulations concerning binational clinical data transfer. To our knowledge, this is the first project that has successfully demonstrated the technological feasibility of a binational disease control system linking a state in the interior of one country with a state in the interior of another country, rather than just states in the border region. The project also advanced the understanding of health service organizational issues that facilitate or hinder communication, outreach, disease prevention, and organization of health care services for migrant workers in both Mexico and the United States. Despite the unprecedented success and potential bilateral benefits demonstrated by this project, serious structural and organizational deficits in the public health systems of both countries must be addressed before epidemiological surveillance can be achieved binationally.

The public health aspects of complex emergencies and refugee situations.

Populations affected by armed conflict have experienced severe public health consequences mediated by population displacement, food scarcity, and the collapse of basic health services, giving rise to the term complex humanitarian emergencies. These public health effects have been most severe in underdeveloped countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Refugees and internally displaced persons have experienced high mortality rates during the period immediately following their migration. In Africa, crude mortality rates have been as high as 80 times baseline rates. The most common causes of death have been diarrheal diseases, measles, acute respiratory infections, and malaria. High prevalences of acute malnutrition have contributed to high case fatality rates. In conflict-affected European countries, such as the former Yugoslavia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Chechnya, war-related injuries have been the most common cause of death among civilian populations; however, increased incidence of communicable diseases, neonatal health problems, and nutritional deficiencies (especially among the elderly) have been documented. The most effective measures to prevent mortality and morbidity in complex emergencies include protection from violence; the provision of adequate food rations, clean water and sanitation; diarrheal disease control; measles immunization; maternal and child health care, including the case management of common endemic communicable diseases; and selective feeding programs, when indicated.

Chronic Communicable Diseases and Risk Management in the Schools

This paper provides information about four chronic communicable diseases. Both legal and professional considerations are discussed. Guidelines for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, particularly applicable to those who work in public and private schools, day care centers, and other institutional environments, are suggested. The goal of the paper is to increase awareness and to encourage use of appropriate risk management procedures. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are encouraged to share this information with their administrators and colleagues. The role of the speech-language pathologist and audiologist in the schools includes protection of their clients, themselves, and coworkers.

Management of communicable diseases in day care centers.

In this article, we have focused on specific communicable diseases in day care centers, and have provided guidelines for prevention and control of outbreaks, and management of contacts. Given the growing number of working mothers in the United States and the related increase in child care outside the home, it is inevitable that physicians caring for children will encounter illnesses acquired in the day care setting. Only by understanding the unique epidemiologic characteristics of day care centers will practitioners be able to recognize potential outbreaks and help prevent the further spread of communicable diseases.

The Control and Management of Communicable Disease

The Control and Management of Communicable Disease

Specialized Training in the Management of Communicable Diseases

Specialized Training in the Management of Communicable Diseases

Specialized Training in the Management of Communicable Diseases

Specialized Training in the Management of Communicable Diseases

Observations on an outbreak of infectious hepatitis; failure to apply accepted control measures.

Introduction That gap between our knowledge of control and management of communicable diseases and our application of that knowledge is widening has become increasingly apparent. A recent editorial 1 has pointed out that patients often acquire infections of some type or other during their stay in hospital and that the incidence of such infections cannot be stated, because, unlike weather, nobody talks about it. The truth of this statement will be affirmed by alert clinician and knowing epidemiologist alike. The survey presented by Colebrook 2 is an insight into extent and magnitude of this rarely discussed problem, which more often hinges on diligent application of established procedures than on expensive and lengthy development of complex techniques. Recent experiences of authors have emphasized this impression with respect to a comparatively new disease among those considered to be communicable: infectious hepatitis. The purpose of

The Management of Communicable Disease from the Standpoint of a Public Health Nurse

The Management of Communicable Disease from the Standpoint of a Public Health Nurse