Introduction
Communicable diseases are illnesses that result from the infection, presence and growth of pathogens in an individual human or animal host. Pathogens can be either bacterial, parasitic or fungal. The pathogens are transmitted through mucus, blood, breath, saliva or sexual contact. Contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, counter tops, work benches, and playground equipment provide a suitable medium for disease to pass from one human to another. The childcare environment is a major contributor to contracting communicable diseases.
This WebQuest will explore 4 communicable diseases: Measles; Chicken pox; Hand, foot and mouth disease; and Whooping cough.
Task
Your task is to research the following communicable diseases:
- Measles
- Chicken Pox
- Hand, foot and mouth disease
- Whooping cough
For each of the communicable disease you are required to find the following information:
- What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
- How is the disease spread?
- What is the treatment of the disease?
- Can the disease be prevented?
- What are the protocols if a child is infected with the disease?
For the purpose of this exercise you are required to present your findings in the form of a poster to be displayed in your room.
Process
There are many websites that can assist you with your research. Listed below are some websites that you are able to use for your research.
Measles
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/measles_factsh…;
http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Measles
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/meas…
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Cont…;
Chicken Pox
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chic…
http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Public+Content/SA+Health+…
http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Chickenpox-varicella
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Cont…
Hand, foot and mouth disease
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hand…
http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+…
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/handfootmouth…
http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/68…
Whooping cough
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/whoo…
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Cont…
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/whoopingcough/pages/default.aspx
http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+…
Conclusion
Communicable diseases account for the majority of illnesses causing children and staff to be absent from care. The childcare environment fosters the transmission of infections from person to person because it is a group setting in which people are in close contact and share resources and equipment. Staff play a key role in identifying children who may be infected and must have some knowledge to identify signs and symptoms early to prevent furthur outbreaks.