Lecture 24 Public Health Flashcards
(32 cards)
Who said, “Health care is vital to all of us some of the time, but public health is vital to all of us all of the time”?
Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon General
What are the main powers and duties of local health departments according to Indiana Code 16-20-1?
Communicable disease control, epidemic control, emergency local orders, public building inspections, private property inspections, enforcement of public health laws.
What distinguishes Sick Building Syndrome from Building Related Illness?
Sick Building Syndrome has unknown causes and symptoms resolve after leaving the building; Building Related Illness has identifiable clinical causes and symptoms may persist.
What bacterium causes Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever?
Legionella pneumophila
What is Pontiac Fever?
A mild, nonfatal respiratory illness resembling acute influenza, often undiagnosed.
-Identified during an epidemic of acute febrile illness in employees at a county health department facility in Pontiac Michigan
What happened at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in 1976?
First recognized outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, infecting 182 and killing 34.
What is the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)?
A 1986 law that increased public knowledge of hazardous chemical presence and helped communities prepare for chemical emergencies.
What is the MCPHD Hazmat Team responsible for?
Responding to chemical spills, bioterrorism threats, radiation complaints, illegal drug labs, and environmental emergencies.
Marion County Public Health Department.
What are the four phases of a WMD incident response?
Tactical Phase, Operational Phase, Crime Scene Phase, Remediation Phase.
-WMD stands for Weapons of Mass Destruction incident
What environmental factors favor Legionella growth?
Water temperatures between 77–113°F, presence of biofilm, stagnant water, low residual chlorine, presence of algae and protozoa.
What are the key Legionella control actions recommended for building water systems?
Develop water management plans, monitor water temps and disinfectant levels, clean and disinfect systems regularly.
Which two diseases are caused by Legionella pneumophila?
Pontiac Fever and Legionnaires’ Disease.
What is the critical temperature range for Legionella growth?
Optimal between 85–108°F.
What is the importance of the MCPHD Indoor Air Program?
Investigates over 500 indoor air complaints annually related to mold, carbon monoxide, ventilation, and building-related illnesses.
What chemicals were involved in the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio?
Vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene.
What topics are covered by the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County Code?
Communicable disease, food safety, residential property, solid waste, sewage disposal, wellfield protection, body art facilities, hazardous materials management, and more.
What does Chapter 8 of the Health & Hospital Code address?
Food Safety.
What does Chapter 14 of the Health & Hospital Code regulate?
Sewage Disposal Systems.
What are common symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?
Headache, eye/nose/throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, odor sensitivity.
How is Building Related Illness different from Sick Building Syndrome?
It has clinically defined causes, may require medical treatment, and symptoms may persist after leaving the building.
What is the “Rule of Three” in Legionella sampling?
Sampling enough points so that if all are negative, you have 95% confidence the entire system is negative.
What sample sources are tested for Legionella?
Hot tubs, cooling towers, potable water systems, humidifiers, decorative fountains.
What CFU/mL level in potable water suggests Legionella amplification?
Greater than 100 CFU/mL.
What environmental conditions encourage Legionella growth?
Temperatures 77–113°F, stagnant water, low chlorine (<0.1 ppm), biofilm presence.