Public Health Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Explain what public health is.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Explain how Escherichia coli (E. coli), tetanus, AIDS, encephalitis, salmonellosis, Lyme disease, and coronavirus (COVID-19) are contracted.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 1.c
      Choose any four of the following diseases and explain how each one is contracted and possibly prevented: gonorrhea, West Nile virus, botulism, influenza, syphilis, hepatitis, emphysema, meningitis, herpes, or lead poisoning.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 1.d
      For all 10 diseases from 1(c), explain the type or form of the disease (viral, bacterial, environmental, toxin), any possible vectors for transmission, ways to help prevent exposure or the spread of infection, and available treatments.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      Explain the meaning of immunization.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Name eight diseases against which a young child should be immunized, two diseases against which everyone should be reimmunized periodically, and one immunization everyone should receive annually.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      Using the list of diseases and conditions in requirement 1, discuss with your counselor those which currently have no immunization available.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Discuss the importance of safe drinking water in terms of the spread of disease. Then, demonstrate two ways for making water safe to drink that can be used while at camp. In your demonstration, explain how dishes and utensils should be washed, dried, and kept sanitary at home and in camp.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Explain what a vector is and how insects and rodents can be controlled in your home, in your community, and at camp. Tell why this is important. In your discussion, explain which vectors can be easily controlled by individuals and which ones require long-term, collective action.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   With your parent or guardian’s and counselor’s approval, do ONE of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a
      Visit a municipal wastewater treatment facility or a solid-waste management operation in your community.
      1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a.1
         Describe how the facility safely treats and disposes of sewage or solid waste.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 5.a.2
         Discuss your visit and what you learned with your counselor.
      3. # Copy link to requirement 5.a.3
         Describe how sewage and solid waste should be disposed of under wilderness camping conditions.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b
      Visit a food service facility, such as a restaurant or school cafeteria.
      1. # Copy link to requirement 5.b.1
         Observe food preparation, handling, and storage. Learn how the facility keeps food from becoming contaminated.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b.2
         Find out what conditions allow microorganisms to multiply in food, what can be done to help prevent them from growing and spreading, and how to kill them.
      3. # Copy link to requirement 5.b.3
         Discuss the importance of using a thermometer to check food temperatures.
      4. # Copy link to requirement 5.b.4
         Discuss your visit and what you learned with your counselor.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Describe the health dangers from air, water, and noise pollution.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Describe health dangers from tobacco use and alcohol and drug abuse.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 6.c
      Describe the health dangers from abusing illegal and prescription drugs.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   With your parent or guardian’s and counselor’s approval, do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 7.a
      Do ONE of the following
      1. # Copy link to requirement 7.a.1
         Visit your city, county, state or federal public health agency.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 7.a.2
         Familiarize yourself with your city, county, state, or a federal health agency’s website.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 7.b
      After completing either 7(a) do the following:
      1. # Copy link to requirement 7.b.1
         Compare the four leading causes of mortality (death) in your community for any of the past five years with the four leading causes of disease in your community. Explain how the public health agency you visited is trying to reduce the mortality and morbidity rates of these leading causes of illness and death.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 7.b.2
         Explain the role of your health agency as it relates to the outbreak of diseases.
      3. # Copy link to requirement 7.b.3
         Discuss the kinds of public assistance the agency is able to provide in case of disasters such as floods, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other acts of destruction. Your discussion can include the cleanup necessary after the disaster.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   Pick a profession in the public health sector that interests you. Find out the education, training, and experience required to work in this profession. Discuss what you learn with your counselor.