Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
An example of the form health department assistance can take is illustrated in
the precautions released June 1, 1951, in the
Illinois Health Messenger
for the
control of poliomyelitis. These recommendations predate the 1955 availability of
the Salk vaccine; hence, they portray a sense of urgency. For this reason, they
are instructive and are generally applicable to outbreaks of other diseases. Even
though poliomyelitis is under control in the United States, experience dictates
that if the vaccination program is allowed to lapse, a resurgence of the disease
is apt to follow.
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General Precautions during Outbreaks
1. The Illinois Department of Public Health will inform physicians and the
general public as to the prevalence or increase in the incidence of the
disease.
Note:
Incidence and prevalence are not synonyms. Incidence refers
to the number of new cases occurring in a certain population
during
a
defined time period. Prevalence is the number of cases of a disease
in
a
defined population at a particular point in time. The terms are illustrated
later in this chapter in the section “Epidemiology and Risk.”
2.
Early diagnosis
is extremely important. Common early signs of polio are
headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle soreness or stiffness, stiff neck, fever,
nasal voice, and difficulty in swallowing, with regurgitation of liquids
through the nose. Some of these symptoms may be present in several other
diseases, but in the polio season they must be regarded with suspicion.
3. All children with any of these symptoms should be isolated in bed, pending
diagnosis. Early medical care is extremely important.
4. Avoid undue fatigue and exertion during the polio season.
5. Avoid unnecessary travel and visiting in areas where polio is known to be
prevalent.
6. Pay special attention to the practices of good personal hygiene and sanita-
tion:
a. Wash hands before eating.
b. Keep flies and other insects from food.
c. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Surgical Procedures
Nose, throat, or dental operations, unless required as an emergency, should
not be done in the presence of an increased incidence of poliomyelitis in
the community.
General Sanitation (Including Fly Control)
1. Although there has been no positive evidence presented for the spread of
poliomyelitis by water, sewage, food, or insects, certain facts derived from
research indicate that they might be involved in the spread:
