Community Health And Population Focused Nursing- C228 Community Outbreak - Task 2

C228-Task 2
WGU
Measles Outbreak

(B) Description of Chosen Outbreak Across International Borders
The California Department of Public Health was notified on January 5, 2015 of a suspected measles case. Shortly afterwards, it was discovered that a measles outbreak had occurred at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks located in Orange County, California. As of February 11, 2015, not only had the measles had been reported in seven other states, it had also been confirmed in our neighboring countries of Mexico and Canada giving a total of 125 measles cases with rashes (CDC).

(B1) Epidemiological Determinants and Risk Factors
Large crowds, especially those of different age groups and from different parts of the country and world, all being confined in a relatively enclosed area, would be epidemiological determinants and risk factors associated with this measles outbreak. People travel to the Disney Theme Parks from all over the world which increases the chance for exposure to diseases. Many countries are not as stringent with vaccinations as we are in the United States and pose a potential threat to the unvaccinated population at Disneyland. Even with the US, it is becoming more and more common that parents are refusing vaccinations for their children.

(B2) Route of Transmission
According to the CDC, measles is spread by sneezing or coughing, making it an airborne disease. In an infected person, the virus lives in the mucous of the nose and throat. The measles virus can live up to two hours in the airspace once an infected person sneezes or coughs and is a highly contagious viral disease(CDC). The initial symptoms include fever, cough, and runny nose. These symptoms are followed in about 2-4 days with a rash.

(B3) Impact on My Community at a Systems Level
A measles outbreak in my community would have a tremendous impact not only on the local residents, but it would affect the tourists well. I live in a city that hosts a large number of tourists year round from all over the country and world. . In addition to visitors flying and driving here, we have a cruise ship port as well that brings tourists in to my community.
If there were to be an outbreak of measles in my community, our international airport, cru...