Communicable Diseases in our EC Centre

Introduction

Communicable disease

A communicable disease is an illness caused by a specific infectious agent or its toxic products that arises through transmission of that agent or its products from an infected person, animal or inaminate reservoir (eg from a food source or contaminated water) to a susceptible host (Deartment of Health Tasmania,2016).

In our centre we have to be particularily vigilant about communicable disease as the children often are't at an age to prevent illness from spreading, or to be using proper hygienic procedures. 

"Over one-third of all under five year old Australian children use some form of licensed child care. The majority of research on infectious diseases in children using care, mainly emanating from North America and Scandinavia, suggests that children in preschool or long day care suffer more frequent infections and more days of illness than those cared for at home or in family day care. In order to minimise these risks it is necessary to apply infection control principles" (Department of Health, 2016).

Specific EC related diseaeses may include:

- Fifth Disease

-Whooping Cough

-Pediculosis (Head Lice)

- Menigitis

- Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

- Measles

Task

Your task is to chose a disease partcularily related to our EC centre. Using government publications you should compile a short report outlining:

-what are the signs, symptoms and duration of the disease?

-what effect will this disease will have on the child, the family, our centre?

-what is the best prevention method for this disease?

-what are our reporting obligations are for the disease?

-any useful resources?

Process

Evaluation

This task will be evaluated and discussed at our next staff meeting.

Conclusion

As educators it is encouraged that you are familiar with the range of communicable diseases that may be encountered in our centre. The health status of our children and our educators is vital in having a healthy, happy and productive centre.

It is hoped that with reading governemnt policy you will highlight any changes you think need to be made to our centre regarding communicable diseases. Maybe increased handwashing, or posters on dieaese/immunisation. 

Thanks for your time and attention on this important topic.

Credits

References

Department of Health. (2016). Infection control in childcare centres.Retrieved from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-pubs-…

Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania. (2016). Communicable disease prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/communicable_diseases_preventio…