c. Mode of Escape. This refers to the route by which the infectious
microorganisms escape the reservoir. For example, pathogens that cause respiratory
diseases usually escape through the respiratory tract (coughing, sneezing, and so forth)
Modes of escape and methods of controlling the mode (preventing the escape) are
shown in figure 1-2.
MODES OF ESCAPE
CONTROL
(1) Wear a mask.
Respiratory Tract. Microorganisms
leave the body of the infected person by
(2) Do not talk directly into patient's face.
means of droplets exhaled as a spray in
coughing, sneezing, talking, or just
(3) If you have an upper respiratory
breathing. Microorganisms also escape
disease, such as a cold, do not work
in nose and throat secretions.
around patients.
Gastrointestinal Tract. Microorganisms (1) Handle body secretions properly.
that leave the body of the infected person
(2) Perform patient care handwash.
by means of body secretions, for
example, hepatitis, the virus is shed in the
stool of the infected person.
Skin. Microorganisms that leave the
properly.
body of the infected person by wound
(2) Perform patient care handwash.
Figure 1-2. Modes of escape and their control.
d. Vector. The vector is the connection between the source of the disease
(reservoir) and the person who is going to catch the disease (host). The vector is
sometimes referred to as the "vehicle of disease transmission." Vectors and their control
are discussed in figure 1-3.
MD0540
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