Introduction
Communicable diseases are frequently more dangerous than chronic because they are characterized by a quick spread and can develop into an epidemic which is difficult to control. Some of them can be controlled and prevented with the help of vaccination according to a national schedule. In fact, global attention to immunization led to better child survival which, in turn, caused an increase in life expectancy in the twentieth century (Healthy People 2020, 2018). Immunization is one of the strategies selected by the healthcare department in Miami-Dade, Florida (“Miami-Dade County community health improvement plan,” 2013). However, apart from the increase of immunization rates, there is a necessity in other preventive measures to reduce the incidence of communicable diseases and improve the level of community health. This presentation is dedicated to the issue of communicable diseases as treated by Healthy People 2020, analyses some infectious diseases met in Miami, and suggests a plan of actions to address the negative impacts these diseases may have on the population and community.
Communicable Diseases in Healthy People 2020
Initiative Healthy People 2020 (2018) stresses the significance of immunization against infectious diseases that are vaccine-preventable. It focuses on the proper use of vaccines, prescription of antibiotics in case of necessity, and testing and screening for communicable diseases according to the approved guidelines. It should also be mentioned that vaccines are considered “the most cost-effective clinical preventive services” (Healthy People 2020, 2018, para. 7). It is proved that immunization “prevents 14 million cases of disease” and “reduces direct health care costs by &9.9 billion” (Healthy People 2020, 2018, para. 8). As for surveillance, major efforts are supposed to be made to improve early detection of infectious diseases thus preventing their spread and allowing to plan necessary actions.
Epidemiology and Surveillance of Communicable Diseases in Miami
Different communicable diseases can be registered in Miami, Florida (zip code 33127). It is a big metropolitan area with high density of population that stimulates the spread of diseases. The current presentation will focus on such infectious diseases as influenza, meningitis, and AIDS.
Influenza
Influenza is a respiratory infection that can be provoked by different flu viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “each year, 5-20% of the U.S. population develop illness from influenza, 200,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 to 49,000 die” (“Florida morbidity statistics report 2014,” 2015, p. 127). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017) state that as of November 2017, about 38% of citizens were immunized. One of the risks related to influenza is pneumonia that can develop in the course of the disease. Thus, it is important to detect and treat the illness on time to avoid possible complications. Influenza surveillance is aimed at detecting the alterations that usually happen in the influenza virus. It is necessary to determine the type of vaccine that would affect the virus every year. Moreover, surveillance helps to detect and control the outbreaks of infection and avoid epidemics. In Miami Dade, 10 healthcare providers are involved in influenza surveillance (“Influenza/Prevention and containment,” 2017).
Meningitis
Meningitis is one of the most dangerous communicable diseases. Its incidence rate in Florida was 0.3 as of 2014 (“Florida morbidity statistics report 2014,” 2015). However, among 48 cases of meningitis reported in Florida in 2014, 12 were found in Miami Dade County. Nevertheless, a decrease of 5.5% in meningitis was registered within the period of five years. Surveillance of meningitis is crucial for timely reaction to any suspected case of meningococcal disease. It is done to prevent “secondary transmission” and control the efficiency of immunization (“Florida morbidity statistics report 2014,” 2015, p. 33).
AIDS
Miami Dade is a county with the greatest number of AIDS reported in Florida. Thus, out of 2370 cases recorded during 2014, 444 were found in Miami Dade (“Florida morbidity statistics report 2014,” 2015). Caused by HIV that is also spread in Miami, AIDS is the most dangerous infectious disease because it cannot be prevented through immunization similarly to influenza. Surveillance for AIDS is significant for planning actions on the prevention of HIV transmission, improvement of access to treatment, and timely detection to start treatment immediately and preserve the quality of life.
Impacts of Communicable Diseases and an Action Plan
Miami is the most populous area in Florida and one of the most populous in the United States. Also, it is a popular location for tourists, both from the US and abroad. High density of population is one of the risk factors for communicable diseases. Since this location is at higher risk of the spread of communicable diseases, a set of actions should be taken to avoid negative effects. Community can experience negative impacts of infectious diseases such as loss of costs spent on treatment and a disadvantage of losing tourists who may avoid visiting epidemic areas. An action plan will include:
- Detection of potentially dangerous infectious diseases.
- Development of surveillance strategies.
- Control of immunization schedule.
- Educating community about communicable diseases and importance of their timely detection.
Conclusion
On the whole, infectious diseases can be prevented in many cases. First of all, attention should be paid to immunization policies. Secondly, it is important to inform population about the ways of transmission of communicable diseases and possible preventive strategies. Finally, surveillance strategies should be developed and implemented on the national level to control the development and spread of infectious diseases.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). National early-season flu vaccination coverage, United States, November 2017.
Florida morbidity statistics report 2014. (2015). Web.
Healthy People 2020. (2018). Immunization and infectious diseases.
Influenza/Prevention and containment. (2017).
Miami-Dade County community health improvement plan. (2013).