Year 8 Science - Cells: Eliminating Disease

By examining the role research has played in eradication or regional elimination initiatives for three viral diseases-smallpox, poliomyelitis, and measles-we derive nine cross-cutting lessons applicable to malaria eradication.

Achieving a high percentage of vaccination coverage with polio vaccine, while necessary, is not sufficient to eliminate or eradicate polio. The existence of pockets of under-vaccinated children has allowed outbreaks of polio in countries that have achieved high levels of vaccination coverage and in countries with no cases for many years.

Using a dynamic model of the control of an infectious disease, we derive the conditions under which eradication will be optimal. When eradication is feasible, the optimal program requires either a low vaccination rate or eradication. A high vaccination rate is never optimal. Under special conditions, the results are especially stark: the optimal policy is either not to vaccinate at all or to eradicate.

The global health effort to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio) has encountered a number of unforeseen and unpredictable challenges. This article provides a timely review of progress made toward eradication, including the polio vaccines in use, and explores the reasons for delays in eradication target dates. It provides an overview of some of the remaining barriers to eradication and looks toward overcoming these through the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan

Respiratory viruses like coronaviruses and influenza infect us through inhaling droplets or by touching
contaminated surfaces then rubbing our nose, mouth or eyes. Virus can spread further in an aerosol if an
infected patient is subjected to an aerosol- generating procedure such as a nebuliser or mechanical ventilation.

This fact sheet explains how to safely put on and remove face masks. It also reinforces the importance of existing prevention measures including staying home if you have symptoms, physical distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

In this narrative review, we develop an analytical framework to examine mask usage, synthesizing the relevant literature to inform multiple areas: population impact, transmission characteristics, source control, wearer protection, sociological considerations, and implementation considerations.

A detailed study shows the maximum risks of being infected by the coronavirus for different scenarios with and without masks

Respiratory protection devices are used to protect the wearers from inhaling particles suspended in the air. Filtering face piece respirators are usually tested utilizing nonbiologic particles, whereas their use often aims at reducing exposure to biologic aerosols, including infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria.

There is some evidence to support the wearing of masks or respirators during illness to protect others, and public health emphasis on mask wearing during illness may help to reduce influenza virus transmission. There are fewer data to support the use of masks or respirators to prevent becoming infected.