Eradication of Smallpox, Polio, and how they may help in Approaching Covid-19
Some of the most notable epidemics include the bubonic plague in the 14th century, smallpox in the 18th century, influenza in the 20th century, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in the 21st century. It is estimated that the bubonic plague caused 25 million deaths in Europe in the 14th century alone, and up to 200 million total deaths across centuries (Glatter & Finkelman, 2021). The COVID-19 pandemic spread at an unprecedented pace due to globalization and the mobility of society, killing millions worldwide. These are dramatic examples of the kinds of acute outbreaks that make epidemiology such an important field of study.
At the beginning of the 21st century, many epidemiologists and healthcare professionals were concerned about the next potential pandemic or epidemic—and then it arrived in early 2020. Globalization means that when these infectious outbreaks occur, they can spread quickly, but we also have more knowledge and better tools (e.g., vaccine technology) to fight them. For this Discussion, you will compare lessons learned from two successful eradication efforts, that of smallpox and polio, and consider how they may be applied to COVID-19.
Reference
Glatter, K. A., & Finkelman, P. (2021). History of the plague: An ancient pandemic for the age of COVID-19.
American Journal of Medicine, 134(2), 176–181.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
Learning Resources
Required Readings
· Friis, R. H., & Sellers, T. A. (2021).
Epidemiology for public health practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett.
· Chapter 12, “Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
· Center for Global Development. (n.d.).
Case 1: Eradicating smallpox
Download Case 1: Eradicating smallpox.
Note: This article provides an overview of the eradication of smallpox.
· Wilson, N., Mansoor, O. D., Boyd, M. J., Kvalsvig, A., & Baker, M. G. (2021).
We should not dismiss the possibility of eradicating COVID-19: Comparisons with smallpox and polioLinks to an external site..
BMJ Global Health, (8), e006810
.
· World Health Organization. (n.d.).
PoliomyelitisLinks to an external site.
(polio).
Note: This page provides an overview of the eradication of polio, as well as symptoms and treatment.
Required Media
· The Impact of COVID-19 on Epidemiology
Time Estimate: 3 minutes
· Walden University, LLC. (2021).
Infectious disease basicsLinks to an external site. [Interactive media]. Walden University Blackboard.
Optional Resources
· Polio Global Eradication Initiative. (n.d.).
GPEI strategy 2022–2026.Links to an external site.
To prepare:
· Review the Learning Resources, focusing on the smallpox and polio epidemics and how health organizations applied principles of epidemiology to eradicate (or in the case of polio, nearly eradicate) these diseases.
· In light of these examples, consider the benefits of addressing smallpox and polio at the population level. What were the population health strategies that were used in the efforts to eradicate smallpox and polio?
· Consider similarities and differences from an epidemiologic perspective among the smallpox and polio epidemics and that of COVID-19.
· Think about how principles of epidemiology are being applied—or could be applied—to address COVID-19.
· What lessons from the use of infectious disease epidemiology in the past might be applicable to controlling COVID 19?
· What are the benefits of addressing this issue at the population level as opposed to the individual level?
By Day 3 of Week 9
Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:
· Briefly summarize the epidemiologic differences among the three diseases and how principles of epidemiology are being applied—or could be applied—to address COVID-19.
· Are there any lessons learned from the use of epidemiology in the eradication of smallpox and polio that could be applied to COVID-19?
· Evaluate the benefits of addressing this health problem at the population level versus the individual level. Support your Discussion with information from this week’s Learning Resources and articles you have located in the Walden Library.
By Day 6 of Week 9
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to
at least two of your colleagues on
two different days and
respond to
at least two colleagues on
two different days in one or more of the following ways:
· Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
· Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
· Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
· Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
· Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
· Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.
RESPOND TO THIS DISCUSSION POST
Nadine
Week 9 Initial Discussion Post
Epidemiologic Lessons from Smallpox and Polio Eradication for Addressing COVID-19
Introduction
Epidemiology, a fundamental discipline in public health, plays a vital role in understanding the distribution, determinants, and control of diseases within populations (Friis & Sellers, 2021). By analyzing patterns of disease occurrence and exploring factors influencing health outcomes, epidemiologists identify risk factors, assess interventions, and inform health policy decisions (Friis & Sellers, 2021).
Epidemiologic Differences
COVID-19, smallpox, and polio, while all infectious diseases, exhibit distinct characteristics and epidemiological patterns. The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 and spreads primarily through respiratory droplets, exhibiting rapid person-to-person transmission. (Friis & Sellers, 2021). In contrast, although highly contagious, smallpox, caused by the variola virus, spreads more slowly via respiratory secretions and direct contact (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Polio, caused by the poliovirus, primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, and in severe cases, affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis (World Health Organization, n.d.).
Application of Epidemiology to COVID-19
Epidemiological principles are essential in addressing COVID-19, guiding public health interventions such as surveillance, case investigation, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Contact tracing helps identify and isolate infected individuals to prevent further transmission, while vaccination programs aim to achieve herd immunity and reduce disease spread (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Epidemiological modeling and data analysis enable public health authorities to predict outbreaks, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and inform policy decisions to control the pandemic (Friis & Sellers, 2021).
Lessons Learned from Smallpox and Polio Eradication
The eradication of smallpox and the near-eradication of polio offer valuable lessons for combating COVID-19. The successful smallpox eradication campaign highlighted the importance of global coordination, rapid response, mass vaccination strategies, and robust surveillance systems for containing and eliminating a deadly infectious disease (Center for Global Development, n.d.). Similarly, the polio eradication efforts underscore the need for sustained political commitment, community engagement, and vaccine innovation in achieving disease control and elimination (World Health Organization, n.d.).
Benefits of Addressing Health Problems in a Population vs. Individual Level
Addressing COVID-19 at the population level offers distinct advantages over individual-focused approaches (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Population-level interventions, such as public health campaigns, policy changes, and community-based initiatives, have a broader reach and can simultaneously impact entire communities or regions (Friis & Sellers, 2021). These strategies are crucial for controlling infectious diseases like COVID-19, as individual-level interventions alone may be insufficient to prevent widespread transmission and achieve population immunity (Friis & Sellers, 2021).
Conclusion
Epidemiology principles have been pivotal in understanding and combating infectious diseases like COVID-19, smallpox, and polio. Insights from the successful eradication of smallpox and polio can inform strategies for managing the current pandemic, emphasizing the importance of coordinated global efforts, vaccination programs, and surveillance systems. Addressing COVID-19 at the population level through evidence-based interventions is essential for controlling disease spread, protecting public health, and achieving successful epidemic control outcomes.
References
Center for Global Development. (n.d.).
Case 1: Eradicating smallpox. Retrieved from []
Friis, R. H., & Sellers, T. A. (2021).
Epidemiology for public health practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett.
Wilson, N., Mansoor, O. D., Boyd, M. J., Kvalsvig, A., & Baker, M. G. (2021). We should not dismiss the possibility of eradicating COVID-19: Comparisons with smallpox and polio.
BMJ Global Health, (8), e006810.
Links to an external site.
World Health Organization
. (n.d.).
Poliomyelitis (polio). Retrieved from
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