The scope of epidemiology has broadened over the years to include the global investigation of chronic, environmental, and genetic diseases and other health-related conditions. Yet, the practice of epidemiology has its roots in the study of infectious disease, global epidemics, and pandemics. Perhaps you recall the widely reported concerns about the H1N1 virus, Ebola, or the reemergence of measles, tuberculosis, or whooping cough. And of course, at least seven coronaviruses have sickened humans in the past two decades, the most notable of which being SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. The emergence and reemergence of infectious disease has long held the attention of epidemiologists, as well as the general public.
 
This week, you will examine two of the great success stories of the application of epidemiology to improve population health related to infectious disease: the eradications of smallpox and polio. You use these historic examples to explore the COVID-19 pandemic. Through comparison of the three, you will consider how lessons learned from smallpox and polio could be applied to COVID-19 and the benefits of addressing this health issue at the population rather than individual level. 
 
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
 
Students will:
 
· Apply principles of epidemiology to the assessment and control of infectious diseases
 
· Evaluate benefits of addressing health issues at the population level versus individual level 
 
This is a graded discussion: 100 points possible
 
DUE APRIL 22
 
Week 9: Discussion
 
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ERADICATION OF SMALLPOX, POLIO, AND COVID-19
 
Some of the most notable epidemics include the bubonic plague in the 14th century, smallpox in the 18th century, influenza in the 20th century, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in the 21st century. It is estimated that the bubonic plague caused 25 million deaths in Europe in the 14th century alone, and up to 200 million total deaths across centuries (Glatter