Applications of Epidemiology

Introduction

Humans and all warm-blooded animals are exposed to bacteria on a daily basis. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria usually found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E.coli, are harmless. Other strains of the bacteria can cause diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and food poisoning. Strains as O157: H7 can cause kidney failure or severe anemia. E.coli can be found in and on food, water, undercooked meat and even raw vegetables. According to WebMD, Children are more likely than adults to develop symptoms of E. coli O157: H7 infection. Most people with the infection will have:

• Severe stomach cramps and stomach tenderness.

• Diarrhea, watery at first, but often becoming very bloody.

• Nausea and vomiting.

People who are infected with the bacteria do not notice any symptoms. They may spread the bacteria to others without knowing it. There are many conditions with symptoms similar to those of E. coli intestinal infection. Diagnosis of E. coli infection can be complicated by the fact that most bacterial infections that cause diarrhea are accompanied by a high fever. If you have no fever or only a mild fever, your doctor may suspect that something other than bacteria is causing your symptoms. Bloody diarrhea is common in confirmed cases of E. coli intestinal infection, but the bacteria also should be considered a possible cause of non-bloody diarrhea.

Undercooked meat is typically the number one cause the infection of E.coli. in hospitals and other health care facilities. Science Daily (2014) article stated It’s reported that more than 80 percent of raw chicken used in hospitals in food for patients and the staff was contaminated with a form of antibiotic resistant bacteria called extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli. While sufficient preparation and temperature of the meat eliminated the presence of bacteria, poultry meat delivered to hospital kitchens remains a potential point of entry for these dangerous bacteria into the hospital. The study was published in the April issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

Analyze Good Health Hospital’s Records

In the Tampa Bay area of Florida, the Good Health Hospital has recently experienced an outbreak of E.coli on the 10th Ward of the hospital that is on the second floor. As the social science researcher, my plan will be to contact the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Hillsborough County health department to develop a plan for identifying, treating and preventing the infection within the hospital. Mr. Wellborn, the chief administrator, has identified 6 reported cases, one patient may have been symptomatic before their admission at Good Health.