Emerging and Re-emerging Infections Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What describes emerging infections?

Infections that have existed for a long time without changing

Infections that occur only in isolated regions

Infectious diseases that are newly appearing or spreading rapidly (correct)

Infections that have reappeared after a decline

Which of the following is a common symptom of the flu?

Runny nose

Aching muscles (correct)

Sore throat

Sneezing

What factor contributes to the development of emerging infections?

Stable climate conditions

Consistent human behavior

International travel and commerce (correct)

Low frequency of mutations

How does the first wave of the Spanish influenza pandemic differ from the second wave?

The first wave had a milder virus strain Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is considered a re-emerging infection?

Cholera Signup and view all the answers

What is the best method for preventing seasonal influenza?

Receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine annually Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates influenza from the common cold?

Influenza tends to come on quickly and is more severe Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical treatment recommendation for flu symptoms?

Drinking plenty of liquids and resting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of transmission for mpox?

Person-to-person close contact Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is at higher risk of acquiring mpox?

People with multiple sexual partners Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of mpox?

Rash Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred laboratory test for diagnosing mpox?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Signup and view all the answers

What can a pregnant individual contract that may lead to negative pregnancy outcomes?

Mpox Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of treating mpox?

To manage the rash and pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible differential diagnosis for mpox?

Syphilis Signup and view all the answers

How can mpox infection be prevented?

Mpox vaccination Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary strain responsible for avian influenza?

H5N1 Signup and view all the answers

Which antiviral medicine is mentioned for severe cases of influenza?

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method for diagnosing Zika virus infection?

RT-PCR for ZIKV RNA Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of both avian flu and swine flu?

Headache Signup and view all the answers

How is human-to-human transmission of avian influenza primarily achieved?

Mutations of the virus Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the transmission of the Zika virus?

Airborne particles Signup and view all the answers

During the 2009 swine flu pandemic, which virus strain was predominantly involved?

H1N1 Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Zika virus infection?

Mild rash Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of both avian and swine flu?

Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

Which complication is associated specifically with Zika virus infections during pregnancy?

Microcephaly Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic test can be used for influenza infection detection?

RT-PCR Signup and view all the answers

What type of virus is the monkeypox virus classified as?

Enveloped double-stranded DNA virus Signup and view all the answers

What type of transmission primarily spreads swine flu?

Direct droplet transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT recommended for diagnosing Zika virus infections?

Serological testing for antibodies Signup and view all the answers

What is a preventive measure recommended for Zika virus infection?

Fluid intake to prevent dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What is the incubation period for Zika virus infection?

3-14 days Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered high-risk for mpox during an outbreak?

Health and care workers at risk of exposure Signup and view all the answers

What should individuals at risk do when around other people?

Wear a mask and cover lesions Signup and view all the answers

Which action should be avoided to prevent mpox sores from becoming infected?

Popping blisters Signup and view all the answers

What can be used for pain relief related to mpox?

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important not to shave areas with sores?

It can spread the rash to other body parts Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for mouth sores?

Use saltwater rinses Signup and view all the answers

Which group is also considered at high risk for mpox?

People with multiple sex partners Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested for soothing body sores?

Taking warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emerging Infections

Newly appeared or rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range
Examples: COVID-19, Avian flu, Swine flu, Zika virus, HIV

Re-emerging Infections

Reappearance of a previously known infection after a period of disappearance or decline in incidence
Examples: TB, Cholera, polio, malaria

Factors Affecting Emerging Infections

Host Factors: Human behavior, human susceptibility to infection (immunosuppression), international travel & commerce
Pathogen Factors: High frequency of mutations, co-evolution and pathogenicity, development of resistance to drugs
Environmental Factors: Changing climate and eco-systems, technology and industry

N1H1 Flu (Seasonal Flu)

Typically influenza A virus
Transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected person
Spanish Influenza Flu (1918) was the first known pandemic and estimated to cause 60 to 80 Million Deaths Worldwide
First Wave (March 1918): Mild Seasonal Flu Virus
Second Wave (Summer/Fall of 1918): Virus mutated to a more deadly strain, causing the majority of fatalities

Clinical Presentation of Flu

Common symptoms: fever, aching muscles, chills and headache
Other symptoms: Headache, Dry, persistent cough, Shortness of breath, Tiredness and weakness, Runny or stuffy nose, Sore throat, Retro-orbital pain, Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Differentiating Flu from Common Cold

Flu less likely to present with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat
Colds usually start slowly, while flu tends to come on quickly
Flu is usually much worse

Avian (Bird) Flu H5N1 (Microbiology)

Typically refers to influenza A virus
Most well-known HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) strain is H5N1
Human infections first reported in 1997 in Hong Kong
Since 2003, over 700 human cases reported to the WHO
Viruses are easily transmissible and fatal among birds
Rarely cause seasonal flu infection to human

Transmission of Avian Flu

Direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry
Contact with avian influenza A virus-contaminated environments
Human-to-human transmission occurs ONLY with mutations

Avian Flu Symptoms

Incubation period (3-7 days)
High-grade fever >38°C, Headache, Cough / sore throat, Tiredness, Runny / blocked nose, Sneezing, Limb or joint pain, Diarrhea / vomiting / abdominal pain / chest pain / bleeding from nose and gum

Swine Flu

Caused by H1N1 influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract of pigs
H1N1 is one of several influenza virus strains that can cause seasonal flu in humans
H1N1 appears to be mostly due to a combination of human influenza, swine and avian viruses
The 2009 swine flu pandemic is the third recent flu pandemic involving the H1N1 virus (after the 1918–1920 Spanish flu pandemic and the 1977 Russian flu)

Swine Flu Complications

Hypoxemia (dyspnea), Pneumonia, Acute respiratory distress, Respiratory failure, Multiple organ dysfunction, Secondary bacterial and fungal infections

Swine Flu Transmission

Direct droplet transmission from cough or sneeze of infected person
Indirectly through surfaces contaminated from an infected case
Improper handling and cooking of pork products from swine infected with H1N1 virus

Swine Flu Symptoms and Complications

Same as avian flu

Swine Flu Diagnosis

Sample: Nasopharyngeal aspirate / wash, Oropharyngeal / throat swab
Tests: Viral culture, Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs)

Swine Flu Treatment

Same as avian flu (Oseltamivir for five days for severe infection)
Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration, Rest, Pain relievers (Acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

Zika Fever

Zika virus is a member of virus family flaviviridae
Spread by daytime-active Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Sexual contact, Blood transfusion, Vertical (mother-to-child) transmission

Zika Fever Epidemiology

Sporadically occured since the 1950s from Africa to Asia
Spread eastward to the Americas from 2007 to 2016, leading to the 2015-2016 Zika virus epidemic

Zika Fever Signs and Symptoms

Incubation period 3-14 days
Typically asymptomatic
Mild symptoms usually last 2-7 days: Low fever, Maculopapular rash, Conjunctivitis, Muscle and joint pain, Malaise / headache

Zika Fever Complications

Infection during pregnancy: Pregnancy complications (fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth), Microcephaly + congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus and newborn
Guillain-Barré syndrome, Neuropathy, Myelitis

Zika Fever Diagnosis

Molecular testing for presence of the virus: RT-PCR for ZIKV RNA, Immunoassay for viral proteins, Virus isolation for live virus
Serological testing for presence of antibodies (ELISA) Not recommended since antibodies against Zika persist for years and cross-react with other similar viruses, including dengue

Zika Fever Treatment

No specific treatment for Zika virus infection
Fluids to prevent dehydration, Paracetamol for joint pain and fever

Monkey Pox (Mpox)

Infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy
Most people fully recover, but some get very sick
Caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV): Enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family

Monkey Pox Epidemiology

Discovered in Denmark (1958) in monkeys kept for research
Following the eradication of smallpox in 1980, mpox emerged in central, east and west Africa
Since 2005, thousands of cases are reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo every year
In 2017, mpox re-emerged in Nigeria and continues to spread
In 2022, outbreaks in refugee camps in the Republic of the Sudan
Over 120 countries have reported mpox between Jan 2022 – Aug 2024, with over 100 000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported and over 220 deaths among confirmed cases

Monkey Pox Transmission

Spreads from person to person mainly through close contact, includes skin-to-skin
Face-to-face contact with infectious respiratory particles
People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk
Contaminated objects, needle injuries, tattoo
Vertical transmission during pregnancy or birth (can lead to pregnancy loss, stillbirth, death of the newborn)

Monkey Pox Signs and Symptoms

Start 1–21 days after exposure, typically last 2–4 weeks
Common symptoms: rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes

Monkey Pox Differential Diagnosis

Chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis, other sexually transmitted infections, and medication-associated allergies

Monkey Pox Diagnosis

Preferred test: Detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Best specimens: Skin, fluid or crusts collected by swabbing
In the absence of skin lesions: Swabs of the throat or anus
Antibody detection methods may not be useful as they do not distinguish between different orthopoxviruses

Monkey Pox Treatment and Vaccination

Goal: Take care of the rash, manage pain and prevent complications
Vaccination can help prevent infection (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
Recommended for people at high-risk of getting mpox
- Health and care workers at risk of exposure
- People in the same household or close community as someone who has mpox
- People who have multiple sex partners
- Sex workers of any gender and their clients

Monkey Pox Do's and Don'ts

Stay at home, Wash hands often, Wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people, Keep skin dry and uncovered when alone, Avoid touching items in shared spaces, Disinfect shared spaces frequently, Use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth, Take warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts, Take over-the-counter medications for pain
Do not pop blisters or scratch sores, Do not shave areas with sores until scabs have healed

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on emerging and re-emerging infections, including high-profile diseases such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis. Explore the factors that contribute to the incidence and spread of these infections, including host, pathogen, and environmental elements. This quiz offers insights into the historical context and impact of various infectious diseases.