Chapter 5The Infectious Process and Environmental Control©2015 Cengage Learning.What Makes an Illness Communicable?• Three components are required for an illness to be communicable:– Pathogen– Susceptible host or individual– Method of transmissionWhat Makes an Illness Communicable?PathogenMethod ofTransmissionSusceptibleHostControlling Infectious Illness• Understanding how the 3 components interact to cause an illness to be communicable is essential for limiting their spread. • Teachers have an ethical and professional responsibility to protect the wellness of all children in a group setting.How are Illnesses Transmitted?• Pathogens or organisms (e.g., viruses, parasites, bacteria, fungi) can be transmitted in several ways:– Airborne – Fecal-oral – Direct contact– Indirect contact• What are some examples of illnesses that are transmitted via each of these methods?Stages of an Infectious IllnessDescribe what typically occurs during each of these stages:– Incubation– Prodromal– Acute– ConvalescenceInfection Control Measures• Ongoing teacher observations provide early clues about a child’s changing state of health.• Policies should be in place and address a variety of protective measures such as exclusion guidelines, cleaning procedures, diapering procedures, food preparation, and hand washing.Infection Control Measures• Immunizations should be current and required for children and teachers.Infection Control Measures• Environmental measures must be implemented and include:– Universal infection control precautions for handling body fluids (e.g. blood, feces, vomited matter) and disinfection (Teacher Checklist 5-2)Infection Control Measures• Environmental measures also include practicing correct handwashing technique and washing hands at appropriate times (Teacher Checklist 5-3)• Click on link and watch the CDC’s “Hands Together” hand washing video: http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/HandsTogether/index.html• Environmental measuresalso include:– Cleaning and disinfecting eating and food preparation areas, bathrooms, diapering tables, toys, and equipment (Teacher Checklist 5-4). – Arranging rooms to minimize extended periods of close contact.Infection Control Measures• Environmental measures also include– Maintaining comfortable room temperatures; opening doors and windows for fresh air.– Taking special precautions with sandboxes, pools, and water tables.• Teaching children, teachers, and families about infectious illness and effective control measures.Infection Control MeasuresCaring for Mildly Ill Children• Factors to consider:– Is the illness highly contagious?– Will other children be placed at risk?– Does the child feel well enough to participate?– Does the child’s illness place them at greater risk of catching something else?– Can teachers meet the child’s needs as well as those of other children in