Question

Hepatitis C

1. Prepare for field work with Hepatitis C

2. Establish the existence of an outbreak

3. Verify the diagnosis

4. Construct a working case definition

5. Find cases systematically and record information

6. Perform descriptive epidemiology

7. Develop hypotheses

8. Evaluate hypotheses epidemiologically

9. As necessary, reconsider, refine, and re-evaluate hypotheses

10. Compare and reconcile with laboratory and/or environmental studies

11. Implement control and prevention measures

12. Initiate or maintain surveillance

13. Communicate findings

Answer 1

1).

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. Viral hepatitis is caused by different types of viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E virus. Certain metabolic diseases, genetic diseases, and chronic alcohol consumption can also cause hepatitis. The viruses causing hepatitis differ by the virus family, structure, and transmission, incubation period in the host, disease onset and by several other means.

Hepatitis C virus is a Flavivirus; positive-sense, ssRNA (single-stranded ribonucleic acid) virus. Vaccination is available for hepatitis C (to take before starting the field work), and the transmission of hepatitis C can be avoided by avoiding the direct exposure to blood and body fluids of infected individuals. The personal protective equipment such as gloves must be collected and used appropriately during the fieldwork.