A communicable or infectious disease is defined as one that is spread from person-to-person through various ways that include: bodily fluids and blood contact and airborne viruses which are breathed in or by an insect bite. Immunity is when an organism is able to oppose a certain infection or toxin with the help of particular antibodies of sensitized white blood cells. According to Tulchinsky and Varavikova (2014), immunization makes it possible for the public health systems to prevent a substantial amount of deaths from infectious diseases. It also provides hope for more success in the future as the sciences of microbiology, vaccinology, and public health practice advance (156).
Bioterrorism is the intentional use of germs, viruses or bacteria released to harm a large quantity of people. The effects of bioterrorism can be quite monumental on a community. An example of such a bacteria is bacillus anthracis, this is the bacteria that causes anthrax. There are many consequences of bioterrorism on a community. The biggest being the numerous deaths that can result in such an act. Bioterrorism will result in social panic and fear in the community. Additionally, the communities trust in public health will likely be eroded (Bonino, 2019). Laws will be implemented to try and prevent future attacks. These laws will adversely affect human rights due to the restriction of civil liberties.
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Ethics are moral principles that govern an individual’s behavior. When dealing with communicable diseases and infection control certain ethics need to be considered. Ethical issues regarding policies and practices in public health control often come about due to conflicting rights and values. Communities all have different beliefs and practices due to having different cultures. These are what cause issues in ethics. An example is mandatory vaccinations; who should make the decision for a child to be vaccinated, is it the parents or the government. Some parents may be against having their children vaccinated due to cultural beliefs. This could adversely affect the community if the child gets sick and spreads the disease. Ethical issues now arise on whether the government should ultimately make the decision to protect the public (Selgelid, 2016). This is just one example of an ethical issue that can come to light regarding the prevention of infectious diseases.
References
Bonino S. (2019). Bioterrorism, public health and civil liberties. Harvard Public Health Review , vol 21. http://harvardpublichealthreview.org/bioterrorism/.
Selgelid, J. M. (2016, April 13). Chapter 4 : Disease Prevention and Control. Public Health Ethics: Cases Spanning the Globe. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK435775/.
Tulchinsky, T. H., & Varavikova, E. A. (2014). Communicable Diseases. The New Public
Health , 156. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-415766-8.00004-5
