Epidemiology Game and Concepts of Epidemiology - Essay Example

"Epidemiology Game and Concepts of Epidemiology" is a good example of a paper on epidemiology. The game presents various aspects of epidemiology like health-related states, risk factors, population groups, disease distribution among the patients, and causalities of disease. The game exposes a player to various epidemiological principles, methods of data collection, data interpretation, data gathering, and locating the source of contamination. Furthermore, the game introduces the player to various professionals who specialize in public health. Among them are epidemiologists who study the pattern of diseases, their causes, and effects on a given population. Environmental health specialists conduct research to identify and eliminate hazards that affect a given population. Other specialists include a health educator who advises individuals on various methods of observing hygiene, microbiologist who investigates disease-causing germs in a given (Regents of the University of Minnesota, 2004).

Concepts of Epidemiology

Health-Related States

Individuals who have taken water from the pump at the public beach seem to develop health complications that are linked to cholera. The health condition seems to have led to an outbreak of cholera. Victims have unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea and stomach upsets. The condition is brought about by drinking contaminated water from a nearby pump. The water is poorly treated and the hygiene standards around the area are not favorable. The main symptoms of the disease are vomiting, stomach upsets, and diarrhea. Diarrhea can easily lead to dehydration if not handled in time (Regents of the University of Minnesota, 2004).
Population groups

The game covers a wide range of study populations that enables health officials to use large data. The data can be used to analyze and figure out the main source of the condition that happens to be water from a fountain pump close to a public beach. Using a large sample population also enables the researchers to formulate valid conclusions on the sources and methods of curbing the health condition. The large population also enabled players to observe similarities and differences in various individuals who reported having health complications. The large population and the wide-area covered enabled the players to identify several risks that enhanced the spread of health conditions. The players were also able to identify various methods that could be used to manage the situation (Regents of the University of Minnesota, 2004).
Risk

A significant factor that enhances the probability of people becoming infected with the disease is placing trashcans near the water pump. This could easily enhance the spread of germs from the trash can to the pump. In as much as the environment looks tidy, it has not been maintained appropriately. For example, poor garbage collection allows disease vectors to move from the trashcan and water pump, eventually spreading cholera. According to the sample of water collected from the fountain pump, it was discovered that water from the pump is contaminated. Prior to the outbreak, the region had received heavy rains that flooded the region and carried waste materials from the nearby animal shelters into the water pump. The parasites in the contaminated animal waste were carried to the water pump through the flowing water. Unfortunately, the pump had a malfunctioning water filter. As a result, water drawn from it was unhealthy and risky for the people who consumed (Regents of the University of Minnesota, 2004).

Conclusion

The game created by the University of Minnesota plays a significant public health role because it guides individuals to understand various epidemiological concepts. The concepts include risk, population groups, and health-related states. It is important to acknowledge that such factors determine the interaction between the environment, human beings, and disease.

Read More