Injury Prevention for Young Children: A Research Guide

Infectious diseases are a major health problem for young children. Although usually not fatal, colds and diarrhea are common among young children and are a special problem for infants and young young children in child care settings. Articles about these viral and bacteria diseases and their effects on young children are included in this chapter. Articles about foodborne illness, also caused by bacteria, are included here. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that there are between 21 and 80 million cases of foodborne illness (commonly referred to as food poisoning) every year. About 6 million of these cases require medical treatment. Infants and young children comprise one of the most at-risk populations for serious results from foodborne illness. The most common causes are food left at room temperature too long, poor hygiene, and improper food handling. Articles discuss prevalence issues, hazards, and prevention of infectious diseases, foodborne illness in both home and child care settings, air quality and its role in respiratory and infectious diseases in day care settings, and pediatric AIDS.

Bartlett Alfred V., Jarvis Betty A., Ross Virginia, Katz Theodore M. , Dalia Margaret A., Englender Steven J., & Anderson Larry J. ( 1988). "Diarrheal illness among infants and toddlers in day care centers: Effects of active surveillance and staff training without subsequent monitoring". American Journal of Epidemiology, 127( 4),808-817.

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