Learn about disease prevention, public health systems, safe water practices, and how diseases like COVID-19, E. coli, and Lyme disease spread to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Disease Basics

    How Disease Spreads

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Explain what public health is.

    2. b.
      Explain how Escherichia coli (E. coli), tetanus, AIDS, encephalitis, salmonellosis, Lyme disease, and coronavirus (COVID-19) are contracted.
    3. 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. 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. 2. Immunization

    Immunization Basics

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Explain the meaning of immunization.

    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. c.

      Using the list of diseases and conditions in requirement 1, discuss with your counselor those which currently have no immunization available.

  3. 3. Water & Sanitation

    Safe Water and Clean Gear

    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. 4. Vectors & Prevention

    Vectors and Pest Control

    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. 5. Field Investigations

    Choose Your Field Investigation

    Choose 1
    With your parent or guardian’s and counselor’s approval, do ONE of the following:

    1. Waste and Wastewater Systems

      Do all
      Visit a municipal wastewater treatment facility or a solid-waste management operation in your community.
      1. 1.

        Describe how the facility safely treats and disposes of sewage or solid waste.

      2. 2.

        Discuss your visit and what you learned with your counselor.

      3. 3.

        Describe how sewage and solid waste should be disposed of under wilderness camping conditions.

    2. Food Safety in Action

      Do all
      Visit a food service facility, such as a restaurant or school cafeteria.
      1. 1.
        Observe food preparation, handling, and storage. Learn how the facility keeps food from becoming contaminated.
      2. 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. 3.

        Discuss the importance of using a thermometer to check food temperatures.

      4. 4.

        Discuss your visit and what you learned with your counselor.

  6. 6. Environmental & Behavioral Risks

    Pollution and Substance Risks

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Describe the health dangers from air, water, and noise pollution.

    2. b.

      Describe health dangers from tobacco use and alcohol and drug abuse.

    3. c.

      Describe the health dangers from abusing illegal and prescription drugs.

  7. 7. Public Health Agencies

    With your parent or guardian’s and counselor’s approval, do the following:

    Do all
    1. a.

      Choose Your Agency Research Path

      Choose 1
      Do ONE of the following

      1. Visit a Public Health Agency

        Visit your city, county, state or federal public health agency.

      2. Investigate an Agency Website

        Familiarize yourself with your city, county, state, or a federal health agency’s website.
    2. b.

      How Agencies Protect Communities

      Do all
      After completing either 7(a) do the following:
      1. 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. 2.

        Explain the role of your health agency as it relates to the outbreak of diseases.

      3. 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. 8. Careers in Public Health

    Explore a Public Health Career

    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.