Write a scholarly paper in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Choose one communicable disease.

Introduction:

Rubeola, commonly known as measles, is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus. It is considered one of the most infectious viral diseases and is still prevalent in some countries. Rubeola has significant public health implications and can lead to severe complications, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. This paper will describe the epidemiology of rubeola, including its causes, mode of transmission, symptoms, treatment, and complications. Additionally, this paper will discuss the determinants of health affecting this disease and identify the epidemiologic triad. Finally, it will also explore the role of the public health nurse in relation to rubeola.

Description of Rubeola:

Rubeola is caused by the measles virus, which belongs to the genus Morbillivirus of the Paramyxoviridae family. The virus is highly infectious and can survive in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. The disease is spread through the respiratory secretions of an infected person, such as coughing or sneezing, and can also be transmitted by direct contact with infectious secretions or articles contaminated with the virus (CDC, 2021).

The symptoms of rubeola typically appear 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash develops on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Complications of rubeola can include ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis. The disease can also lead to severe complications, such as blindness, deafness, and brain damage, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals (CDC, 2021).

Determinants of Health:

The determinants of health affecting rubeola include social, economic, and environmental factors. One of the most significant determinants is access to healthcare. People without access to adequate healthcare are more likely to contract rubeola, as they may not have access to vaccines or treatment. Additionally, low vaccination rates in communities can contribute to the spread of the disease (CDC, 2021).

Other factors that can affect the spread of rubeola include poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowded living conditions. These conditions can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to infections. The disease is also more prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, as the virus can survive on contaminated surfaces for several hours (CDC, 2021).

Epidemiologic Triad:

The epidemiologic triad consists of three components: the host, agent, and environment. In the case of rubeola, the host is a person who has been infected with the measles virus. The agent is the virus itself, and the environment includes factors that contribute to the spread of the disease, such as poor sanitation and hygiene, low vaccination rates, and overcrowding.

Host factors that can contribute to the spread of rubeola include age, vaccination status, and immune status. Infants and young children who have not been vaccinated are at higher risk of contracting the disease. Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are also more susceptible to infections (CDC, 2021).

Agent factors that can contribute to the spread of rubeola include the virulence and infectiousness of the virus. The virus is highly infectious and can be transmitted through respiratory secretions, making it easy to spread from person to person (CDC, 2021).

Environmental factors that can contribute to the spread of rubeola include poor sanitation and hygiene, low vaccination rates, and overcrowding. These conditions can facilitate the spread of the virus and make it difficult to control outbreaks (CDC, 2021).