Flu Pandemic Essay
In the history of the United States, many infectious disease breakouts have occurred, and have resulted in increased number or morbidity and mortality. Of the many, in 2009, a new strain of influenza A (H1N1) emerged quickly without any warning and became a pandemic. Also known as the swine flu, this infectious disease lasted from early 2009 to late 2010 and resulted in 18,449 confirmed laboratory tested deaths around the world (Knox, 2013). However, the actual toll may have been ten times higher and up to 203,000 deaths (Knox, 2013). NURS 6700 Wk 11 Flu Pandemic Essay
Epidemiological Considerations
The first outbreak of the swine flu was first recognized in the state of Veracruz, Mexico in March and April 2009 with many people experiencing respiratory illness and flu like symptoms. In response to this disaster, the General Directorate of Epidemiology (DGE) issued a national epidemiological alert to all influenza-monitoring units and hospitals and asked hospitals to report all patients with severe respiratory illness and recommended collection of diagnostic respiratory specimens from these patients within 72 hours of illness onset (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2009). To prevent and control the spread of the disease all schools in Mexico were closed and incoming and outgoing passengers in airports were advised to use caution and go to a hospital if they experience the symptoms (fever, cough, and difficulty breathing). Other measures included disseminating educational messages regarding respiratory hygiene through mass media, distributing masks and alcohol hand-sanitizer to the public, and discouraging large public gatherings, including church services, theater events, and soccer games (CDC, 2009). On April 25, a national decree allowed for house-isolation of any person with a suspected case, and on April 27, school closures were mandated throughout the country (CDC, 2009).