Introduction: Dengue fever is an emerging vector-borne disease in Kenya, transmitted primarily through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The illness is characterized by high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash; in severe cases, it can progress to forms of severe dengue, such as hemorrhagic fever or shock, both of which can be fatal. Once considered a disease largely confined to Asia and Latin America, dengue is now increasingly reported in Africa, where local outbreaks have become more frequent and widespread. Kenya has experienced several such outbreaks over the past decade, with documented episodes in coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu in 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2021. These repeated events highlight dengue’s persistence in the region and the significant challenges it poses to public health infrastructure.
Continue reading “Sam Sitarz, Bhabna Ghosh, and Xuliang Xiao’s Disaster Plan: Dengue Outbreaks in Kenya”Dylan Lyons, Polina Lebedeva, and Skylar Martin’s Disaster Plan: Colorado’s West Nile Virus Outbreaks
Colorado’s mix of urban, suburban, and rural regions has resulted in the emergence of mosquito habitats and West Nile Virus outbreaks. The most recent 2025 outbreak resulted in 212 cases and 11 deaths.
Continue reading “Dylan Lyons, Polina Lebedeva, and Skylar Martin’s Disaster Plan: Colorado’s West Nile Virus Outbreaks”Lamiya Ahmed’s Case Study on Measles Outbreaks in the United States
Measles has been on the rise since March 2024, threatening its 30-year elimination status in the United States. In this case study, Syeda noted a continued trend of measles cases as of December 2, 2025, with 87% of cases being outbreak-associated, often occurring in close-knit communities with low vaccination rates. Despite this resurgence, vaccination remains a highly effective prevention strategy.
Continue reading “Lamiya Ahmed’s Case Study on Measles Outbreaks in the United States”Raveena Bola, Brooke Ortel, and Oscar Simbulan’s Disaster Plan: Carnival Cruise Lines Norovirus Outbreak
The primary objective of this plan is to establish a clear framework for Carnival Cruise Line, Inc., to prevent, respond to and contain a norovirus outbreak on a ship arriving in the Port of Miami. It defines steps required to ensure that a potential outbreak is contained, surveilled, and effectively responded to. It also details the roles and collaboration with port officials, local health organizations, and ship staff. This plan emphasizes timely action, transparent communication, and a unified response towards handling a norovirus outbreak and protecting the health of passengers and the general public.
Continue reading “Raveena Bola, Brooke Ortel, and Oscar Simbulan’s Disaster Plan: Carnival Cruise Lines Norovirus Outbreak”Cara Rubin’s Response to the Management of Mass Fatalities
Rubin writes on the ethical implications of balancing emergency management procedures with cultural dignity and religious ceremonies.
Continue reading “Cara Rubin’s Response to the Management of Mass Fatalities”Maram Hameed’s Response to Failure to Report to Duty
Hameed discusses the ethnical implications of the firings of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continue reading “Maram Hameed’s Response to Failure to Report to Duty”Jayda Hatch’s Response to Ethical Issues for Public Health Disasters
Hatch writes about the necessary framework for categorizing the types of essential healthcare workers, contextualizing the issue through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continue reading “Jayda Hatch’s Response to Ethical Issues for Public Health Disasters”Umaima Abbasi, Sarim Faheem, and Dylan Lyons’ Qualtrics Report on COVID-19 and Community Adherence
The purpose of this study was to examine public perceptions, attitudes, and preparedness behaviors toward COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. This survey was conducted as part of NYU’s Management of Public Health Disasters course to gain insight into how individuals perceive their own risk, trust public health authorities, and engage in preventive actions such as vaccination. The study focused on key outcomes, including concerns about infection and preventable diseases, confidence in public health preparedness, vaccination intentions, and sources of trusted information. Understanding these factors can help identify gaps in community trust and guide future public health preparedness and communication strategies.
Syeda Lamiya Ahmed, Ramya Mark, and Kimari McCoy’s Qualtrics Report on Public Health Disaster Perception and the COVID-19 Experience
This Qualtrics report aims to explore how people’s backgrounds, disaster experiences, and trust in institutions shape the way they think about health and prevention.
Continue reading “Syeda Lamiya Ahmed, Ramya Mark, and Kimari McCoy’s Qualtrics Report on Public Health Disaster Perception and the COVID-19 Experience”Polina Lebedeva, Ami Fall, and Raveena Bola’s Qualtrics Report on the Preparedness Paradox
This Qualtrics report seeks to answer whether pandemic lessons persist in daily readiness. Over 40 survey respondents provided input on outcomes including, knowledge and confidence in agencies and resources (vaccination, testing and isolation, supplies).
Continue reading “Polina Lebedeva, Ami Fall, and Raveena Bola’s Qualtrics Report on the Preparedness Paradox”