ECOLOGIC MODEL

The agent-host-environment model is primarily used to predict illness rather than to

promote wellness, although identification of risk factors that result from the interactions
of the agent, host, and environment helps in promoting and maintaining health. Because
each of agent-host-environment factors constantly interact with others, health is an ever
changing state. Health is seen in when all three elements are in balance, while illness is
seen in one when one, two, or three elements are not in balance.
(Fundamentals of Nursing by Kozier 2004)

Introduction

Dengue fever: An acute mosquito - born viral illness of sudden onset that usually follows
a benign course with headache, fever, prostration, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen
glands (lymphadenopathy) and rash. The presence (the "dengue triad") of fever, rash, and
headache (and other pains) is particularly characteristic of dengue. Dengue fever is
endemic throughout the tropics and subtropics. It goes by other names including
breakbone or dandy fever. Victims of dengue often have contortions due to the intense
joint and muscle pain. Hence, the name "breakbone fever." Slaves in the West Indies who
contracted dengue were said to have "dandy fever" because of their postures and gait.

Ecologic model : The Lever

Mosquito bite
arbovirus

Male Valenzuela
16 yr. old city, well
ventilated
home
Interpretation

We have chosen the lever ecologic model because it is used to show the relationship
between the host, agent, and environment. It is also used to determine if there is an
imbalance among the three pre-disposing factors or there is one that contributes more
than the other, which may lead to an occurrence of the disease.
The agent is the Mosquito, patient is the host, and the environment where the patient
lives.