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.

Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

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. http://www.cgdev.org/doc/millions/MS_case_1.pdf

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 polio. BMJ Global Health, 6(8), e006810. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006810

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Poliomyelitis (polio). https://www.who.int/health-topics/poliomyelitis#tab=tab_1

Note: This page provides an overview of the eradication of polio, as well as symptoms and treatment.

Required Media (click to expand/reduce)

The Impact of COVID-19 on Epidemiology

Time Estimate: 3 minutes

Transcript – The Impact of COVID-19 on Epidemiology [PDF]

Walden University, LLC. (2021). Infectious disease basics [Interactive media]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu

Optional Resource (click to expand/reduce)

Polio Global Eradication Initiative. (n.d.). GPEI strategy 2022–2026. https://polioeradication.org/gpei-strategy-2022-2026/

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