A nurse is assessing an outbreak of mumps among school-age children. Using the epidemiological triangle, the nurse should recognize that which of the following is the host?

The correct answer is Choice C because, "Motor vehicle safety," as it is the leading cause of death for adolescents. The nurse should prioritize educating the adolescents on how to be safe while driving or riding in a car, such as always wearing a seatbelt and not drinking and driving.

Choice A is wrong because, "Substance abuse prevention," is not the correct answer as it is important to address but not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Choice B is wrong because, "Sports injury prevention," is also not the correct answer as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents, although it is important to educate on injury prevention. Choice D is wrong because, "Gun safety," is also not the correct answer as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents.

The correct answer is Choice D because, "Release a media announcement asking residents to remove areas of standing water." The nurse should release a media announcement asking residents to remove areas of standing water to prevent the breeding of mosquitos. This answer is correct because standing water provides a breeding ground for mosquitos, which can transmit encephalitis.

Choice Bis wrong because is incorrect because researching the species of mosquito responsible for the outbreak is not an activity that the nurse should perform to implement mosquito control strategies.

Choice Ais wrong because is incorrect because reviewing morbidity rates of encephalitis within the last 6 months is not an activity that the nurse should perform to implement mosquito control strategies.

Choice C is wrong because is incorrect because identifying the number of cases resulting in disability from encephalitis is not an activity that the nurse should perform to implement mosquito control strategies.