A nurse has many roles during community outbreaks such as educator, care provider, and leader. A nurse's role in community education will be key in helping to prevent the spread of diseases such measles and Ebola. Educating the public on the safety of the vaccines and the risks associated with not getting vaccinated can go a long way in allaying people's fears. The nurse should also educate the community on signs and symptoms of the disease and what to do if a person suspects they've come in contact with measles. A poster hung at facilities educating the community about measles and symptoms could be implemented. The most significant symptom of measles is a rash that starts at the top of the head and moves down the body, covering the trunk, arms, hands, legs, and finally the feet. Other symptoms include high fever, sore throat, runny nose, red eyes, and Koplik spots in the mouth. Early reporting, hand washing, covering your mouth when you cough and contacting the doctor at the first sign is essential. Early detection of these contagious viruses can help with quarantine of the infected person to help reduce further transmission.
Approaches to prevent an outbreak of Ebola include public education and early detection as well. Education about early signs of infection such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea and how to prevent the spread of the disease would be beneficial. A simple question asked of each patient that enters a medical facility asking if they have traveled out of the country in the last 3 months could also easily be implemented.
A nurse providing care to patients with measles or Ebola needs to practice strict adherence to barrier protections and hand hygiene. This assures there is no break in barrier protection especially during donning and doffing. The nurse has a critical role to ensure everyone who enters the room of the patient who is contagious is adhering to airborne isolation precautions. The nurse should safeguard hazardous waste to prevent accidental exposure. Designated equipment to that specific patient use only and minimize visitors. The nurse should keep the patient updated regarding changes in their health or change in the plan of care.
A nurse shows leadership by helping the community understand how the virus is transmitted and fighting misinformation to eliminate panic. Raising awareness is an important role for nurses to help reduce public fear and decrease the stigma associated with patients diagnosed with Ebola or measles. Nurses show leadership by educating the staff on how the virus is transmitted and how to prevent becoming infected themselves. Nurses should collaborate with community leaders to help give presentations to the community to teach the public how to care for themselves and how to keep their families safe. Nurses should work together with caregivers of vulnerable populations to help coordinate a plan of best practices for disease prevention.