HST6337: Communicable Disease Control– Fictitious Communicable Disease Scenario- Case Management Assignment

Internal Code: 1GHHC

Case Management Assignment:

Task: Scenario: Chikungunya in a local mosquito population You work for a state?based public health unit and have been asked to develop a Communicable Disease Response Plan in the event that Chikungunya virus is introduced to your local mosquito population. Background  Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. It virus occurs in Africa, India, South?East Asia and the Western Pacific. It is considered to be emerging or re?emerging in many regions of the world. Large outbreaks of chikungunya virus infection have become more frequent in many regions, including a number of Indian Ocean and Pacific Island nations, including Papua New Guinea, as well as emergent cases in other areas, such as Italy and the Caribbean. Travellers can become infected with the chikungunya virus if travelling to a region of the world where chikungunya is found. The chikungunya virus is not currently endemic in Australia, although the mosquitos capable of spreading the disease do live in certain areas. Briefing information There have been recent global reports of increasing case numbers of Chikungunya virus throughout several regions, including south?east Asia. There have been numerous cases within Australia in returning travellers, who frequently visit SE Asia and other regions. There is sentinel surveillance occurring in local mosquito populations, and some local virus activity has been detected. There has yet to be confirmation of a locally acquired cases, although this remains a possibility. There is great concern that this could spread to the entire vector population, which could result in an outbreak of local cases. You have been tasked with developing a response plan in the event of a local introduction. Response Plan ? Special considerations There certain areas in which this plan is applicable – which ones and why? Are there several opportunities for disease introduction and spread that you need to consider? How might you detect and introduction of the virus before it spreads widely to human populations? What agencies might you need to link in with for a vector?borne disease? What will your control strategies be in light of the route of transmission?