Assignment 1: Applications of Epidemiology Case Study HSA 535

Assignment 1: Applications of Epidemiology-Case Study

HSA 535

Introduction

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria usually found in warm blooded organisms such as human and animal intestines. Although there are large groups of E.coli, most strains are harmless. Other strains of the bacteria may cause diarrhea, respiratory illnesses and food poisoning. Some strains such as O157:H7 can cause kidney failure or severe anemia. Exposure to E.coli can be in the form of food, water, undercooked meat and even raw vegetables. Symptoms may include: 

Assignment 1: Applications of Epidemiology-Case Study HSA 535

Assignment 1: Applications of Epidemiology-Case Study HSA 535 Introduction Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria usually found in warm blooded organisms such as human and animal intestines. Although there are large groups of E.coli, most strains are harmless. Other strains of the bacteria may cause diarrhea, respiratory illnesses and food poisoning. Some strains such as O157:H7 can cause kidney failure or severe anemia. Exposure to E.coli can be in the form of food, water, undercooked meat and even raw vegetables. Symptoms may include: nausea and vomiting, severe stomach cramps and stomach tenderness, diarrhea containing blood. In hospitals and other health care facilities, E. coli is commonly found in meat served in the cafeteria. In a (2014) article of Science Daily, It’s reported that more than 80 percent of raw chicken used in hospitals in food for patients and staff was contaminated with a form of antibiotic resistant bacteria called extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli. While sufficient preparation 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 Good Health Hospital, located in the Tampa Bay area has recently experienced an outbreak of E.coli on the 10th Ward of the hospital which is located on the second floor. As the social science researcher, my plan is to contact the CDC and the local health department to devise a plan for dealing with the infection within the hospital. After meeting with Mr. Wellborn, the chief administrator, I found that out of the 6 reported cases, one patient may have been symptomatic prior to their admission at Good Health. The four exposed patients of the ward 2 male and 2 female have already been removed from the ward in an effort to prevent the outbreak form spreading to the other patients. The patients, who range in age from 15 to 42, were infected at different times. This makes it difficult to pinpoint which food or foods triggered the outbreak. Although E. coli affects everyone differently, the most vulnerable groups are children and the elderly. They are at higher risk for experiencing severe complications. In addition to this hospital, it’s been reported that other hospitals within the region have also experienced outbreaks. This may be due to the fact that food for all the regional hospitals is provided by the same food supplier. Until further notice, Good Health Hospital will be seeking alternative vending services. Mr. Wellborn advised me that the hospital has researched other food...

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