Communicable Diseases

Introduction

This WebQuest is to assist teachers to understand the issues surrounding communicable diseases, including:

Whooping cough
Slapped cheek syndrome
School sores
Head lice
Influenza
Chicken pox

It is important to understand the implications these diseases have for hygiene and health education.

Task

Look at the websites provided to obtain a brief overview of the listed diseases, and explore the Notifiable Disease Guidelines. More information can be sourced from your State Health Agency.

The following is taken from Pullen (2015):

Communicable disease is spread by the following pathogens:

bacteria
funghi
virus
protoza
helminths
ricekttsia

Good hygiene practices are crucial to practise, as pathogens can be spread through sneezing, coughing and through direct contact with bodily fluids.

Reference:

Pullen, D. (2015). Communicable and chronic diseases: Lecture 7 [Powerpoint slides]. Retrieved from https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/82936/viewContent/1343207/View

Process

Explore the following factsheets:

http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthConditions/2/Infections-Paras…

These sites contain useful information on the obligations of health care professionals and educators to report diseases, and how to prevent and/or manage spread of infection:

http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh/communicable_diseases_prevention_unit/?a…

http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/ch55_stay…

https://www.education.tas.gov.au/documentcentre/Documents/Infection-Pre…

Evaluation

Summarise your research by answering the following question: A student in another class has been diagnosed with whooping cough. What symptons do you need to look for in your students? What do you need to do if you suspect a student has whooping cough?