VPE 511: Environment and Environmental Hygiene (2+1)

CONTROLLING THE SOURCE AND AGENT

• From the disease control point of view, the weakest link in a disease transmission process is the agent or the source of the disease. Any measures to eliminate this source is the easiest way by which the disease problem can be checked. The important tools to achieve this are,
  • Early detection and notification: when a disease is diagnosed and notified to the authorities at a very early stage, it becomes very easy to stamp out the etiological agent before it spreads into the masses. Early diagnosis makes it easy to carry out detailed epidemiological studies in a more effective manner and helps the authorities to take pre-emptive measures before the agents spreads in a larger population.
  • Epidemiological investigation: Epidemiological investigation involves identification of the source of infection and factors influencing its spread in the population. Successful epidemiological studies ensure implementation of prompt disease management measures right at the initiation stage of a disease process.
  • Quarantine and isolation: Quarantine and isolation measures are the oldest communicable disease prevention and control measures. It is applied for the livestock imported from other countries in order to minimize the risk of transmission of and exotic disease in importing countries. A large number of infectious diseases of humans and animals particularly those that are air-borne, can be controlled by physical isolation of the diseased hosts till they get rid of infections either through treatment or naturally after the infective stage of the disease has passed.
  • Sanitation and disinfection: Majority of the water borne diseases are transmitted through sewage contaminated drinking water. It is , therefore, of paramount importance to either prevent such sewage from contaminating water sources or to treat it in such a manner that the risk of contamination with infectious diseases is either eliminated or minimized. Treatment of industrial effluents or smoke which prevent the discharge of harmful and toxic chemical hazards due to water and air pollution. Regular disinfection of hospitals, animal sheds, meat processing plants, human and animal dwellings, public places will reduce the risk of spread of both water and air borne pathogens.
  • Legislation: Legislative measures are important tools in controlling water and air-borne diseases. The health hazards caused by pollution of water and air due to both biological and chemical agents can be effectively checked by bringing about comprehensive legislation against agencies polluting the water sources and air and implementing it in true spirit.