Can we handle an outbreak of an illness?

In the last unit in the Population class, which is called If/Then, the class went over the human population and tried to predict what the human population would be by 2050. We tried to predict with a method in math called geometric and arithmetic sequence. For our last action project, the class was asked to create a script discussing a topic that has something to do with the human population growth. The discussion had to include 2 viewpoints that was supported by evidence and real hard facts. To include the math in this project we went over, we used a geometric sequence to figure out what the human population would be in 2050. At first, I had a hard time using the geometric method, but then the whole class went over that part and I had a more clear understanding of how to use it. I also had a difficult time choosing a topic to discuss because there were so many good ones to go over. I was proud at how I went over this unit. When I had a hard time on one topic, I would take some time and go over that topic once again and just take time to focus. Thanks to this project, I now understand what the world could possibly look like if the human population became overwhelming.

Right now the human population is estimated to be about 7,125,000,000. By 2050 my class predicted that it could reach 10,715,465,520. We came up with this number by using a geometric sequence. The work is shown below.

                                          

AMK. Geometric Sequence. Photography. 2014

If the whole human population were to be crammed together in the city of L.A, many problems would develop along the way. One of those problems for example would be the outbreak of an illness. If you think of all the problems we already have in the world today, do you think we can handle an outbreak of an illness with the whole human population being so crammed together? Vaccines are available, but are also limited. That means people would be in a competition because everyone would want to get the best health care treatment they can possibly get, but its possible that since everyone wants a vaccine they can eventually run out.

Below I have a discussion between Kelly and Kate, going over the topic of the human population and the outbreak of an illness. At first they have different views, but when one goes over true facts, the other is leaning towards the other side.

Kate: Do you want this water?

Kelly: Nah. Just spill it out.

Kate: I think I’ll just drink it then.

Kelly: Why if you don’t want it?

Kate: It makes me feel guilty, because you know, there are many people that don’t have the access to it.

Kelly: True.

Kate: Did you know there are 3.4 million people who die in the world each year because they don’t have access to water, which can result to many diseases.(1) Not to mention that 1 million don’t have access to health care. (3)

Kelly: I know, but that usually happens in developing countries where the population of people is too much to handle and their aren't enough resources for people.

Kate: Well, put yourself in their shoes. Did you know that the whole human population can fit in the city of L.A? So imagine being stuck with 7125,000,000 people with the population reaching 10,715, 465, 520 by 2050 and maybe not having enough water and then people getting diseases while you have nowhere to go to get away?

Kelly: I mean like you said the whole human population would be in the same place, so why don’t the best doctors from around the world come up with new medicines and vaccines to cure these diseases?

Kate: They wouldn't be able to handle it! Like I said before millions are already dying and that’s with people using different water sources. If we used the same source eventually we would run out of it.

Kelly: Not true! Earth has enough quantities of water in our lakes, oceans, rivers and even in our atmosphere! (5)

Kate: Alright then. Well, think about the health care system? People from all over the world would be stuck together. That means that many people would be coming from countries with diseases like Malaria and yellow fever, which will catch on to people and then spread.

Kelly: But there are immunizations that fight against 27 diseases, plus there are also vaccines that are available to travelers that travel to countries that have diseases like Malaria and yellow fever. (2)

Kate: It wouldn't work! For example think about the Ebola outbreak that just made its way here.

Kelly: Exactly. Doctors are already coming up with vaccines for it.

Kate: Right. But only 4 people have been recorded having that disease here, and everyone is already feeling overwhelmed.

Kelly: The CDC and health care providers are preparing though. They know what to do. (4)

Kate: Not really. Think about it. 2 of those diagnosed people could have been prevented if the hospital was prepared enough.

Kelly: But eventually it’ll stop. Remember the swine flu? We got over it.

Kate: It’ll be hard to get over it when the whole human population is crammed together. Whatever bacteria and virus is in your body will have easy access to many other bodies that will just keep growing. Too many people die from illnesses in the world and this is without everyone being crammed together, so imagine the whole human population being contaminated in a large city, do you really think we would be able to handle this? 

Kelly: Maybe you’re right.


Citations:

1. "Water.org." Waterorg. NP, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.
2. "Immunization Issues." Vaccines in Development. National Network for Immunization Information, n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2014.
3.Shah, Anup. "Health Issues." - Global Issues. N.p., 27 Sept. 2014. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.
4."Questions and Answers on Ebola." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 23 Oct. 2014. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.
5. Webster, Jim. "OLogy." OLogy. Ask A Scientist, n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2014.\