Grand Canyon University Concepts In Community and Public Health
NRS-427V-0102
Epidemiology The communicable disease that I have selected is Tuberculosis (TB). The purpose of my paper in to describe, in detail the communicable disease and its impact on the global nations over time. It also addresses the role of a community health nurse in breaking the chain of infection and preventing the spread of the deadly disease.
On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). During this time, TB killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe. Dr. Koch’s discovery was the most important step taken toward the control and elimination of this deadly disease. The world health organization has set this day aside for remembering the great discovery that won a noble prize as well a day of global awareness. There were 1.5 million reported deaths related to TB in 2010, an astounding statistic.
The bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is responsible for causing the disease. It is a Highly infectious disease that primarily affects the lung. It’s mode of transmission is
Airborne, meaning it is spread through the air when someone coughs, sneezes or even talks. The bacteria can also affect other parts of the body including lymph nodes, kidneys, urinary tract and bones. Latent TB occurs when the bacteria is present but the person does not have symptoms. If the disease becomes active symptoms appear. They include, coughing with pain in the chest, hemoptysis(blood in the sputum), weakness, weight loss , fever, and night sweats. Diagnosis involves a patient undergoing a skin test and blood test as well confirmation of active disease is done with sputum collection and a chest x ray. Once the diagnosis has been made a
