Untitled Quiz

Communicable Diseases

• Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can be transmitted from one person or organism to another.
• These diseases can spread through various means, including person-to-person contact, exposure to contaminated surfaces, through the air, or via vectors like insects.
• Examples of common communicable diseases:
  • Malaria
  • Dengue
  • Tuberculosis
  • Zika
  • Dysentery
  • Typhoid
  • Cholera
  • Diarrhea

Malaria

• Malaria is a potentially life-threatening tropical disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
• Signs & Symptoms: High fever, chills, sweating, headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, muscle and joint pain, anemia.
• Preventing the spread of malaria involves a combination of personal protective measures and community-level interventions to control the mosquito vector.
• Protective measures: Use bed nets, wear long-sleeved clothing, apply insect repellent, stay indoor at dusk or dawn, screened windows & doors, eliminate standing water, indoor residual spraying (IRS), take Antimalarial Medications.

Dengue

• Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, primarily transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
• Signs & Symptoms: Sudden high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, rash, mild bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds or gum bleeding).
• Preventive Measures: Use bed nets, wear long-sleeved clothing, apply insect repellent, screened windows & doors, eliminate standing water.

Tuberculosis

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium.
• It primarily affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, bones, and brain.
• Signs & Symptoms: Cough (that lasts more than 2-3 weeks), chest pain, fever, night sweats, fatigue, unintended weight loss, loss of appetite.
• Preventive Measures: Tuberculosis Vaccination (BCG), healthcare worker protection & screening, good respiratory hygiene, early diagnosis & treatment, TB pt to wear mask, isolate & quarantine those with active TB.

Zika

• Zika is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Zika virus.
• It is primarily transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
• Signs & Symptoms: Fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain, headache.
• Preventive Measures: Use mosquito repellant, wear protective clothing, stay in screened areas, eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Dysentery

• Dysentery is an intestinal infection characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea, usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Signs & Symptoms: Severe, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, mucus in the stool, fever, dehydration.
• Preventive Measures: Good hygiene: wash hands often, drink safe water, eat cooked food, proper sanitation, vaccination if available.

Typhoid

• Typhoid is a life-threatening disease caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, transmitted through contaminated food and water.
• Signs & Symptoms: High fever, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation, rose spots (small, pink spots on the skin).
• Preventive Measures: Vaccination, drink safe water, avoid risk food & water sources, proper sanitation, maintain good personal hygiene.

Cholera

• Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food.
• Signs & Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, muscle cramps, shock (in some cases, cholera can lead to shock).
• Preventive Measures: Vaccination, drink safe water, avoid risk food & water sources, proper sanitation, maintain good personal hygiene.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea is a common digestive problem characterized by the frequent passage of loose, watery, and often unformed stools.
• Causes: Infections, food poisoning, medications, food allergies or intolerances, stress and anxiety.
• Signs & Symptoms: Loose stools, increased frequency of bowel movement, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration signs, weight loss.
• Preventive Measures: Vaccination, drink safe water, avoid risk food and water sources, proper sanitation, maintain personal hygiene.

Pandemic Diseases

• A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale, affecting a significant proportion of the world's population.
• Examples of Pandemic Diseases:
  • Avian flu
  • Swine flu
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
  • COVID-19

Avian Flu

• Avian flu is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds, particularly poultry. However, some strains of avian flu can also infect humans and other animals.
• Signs & Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, headache, runny or stuffy nose.
• Preventive Measures: Environmental hygiene, waste management, limiting visitor access, patient education.

Important Information on Patient Education

• Educate patients with communicable diseases about the nature of the disease, including how it is transmitted and its potential consequences.
• Explain the importance of taking prescribed medications as directed and discuss potential side effects.
• Provide clear contact information for healthcare providers and encourage patients to reach out with questions or concerns.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to help patients find their own reasons for compliance.
• Offer praise and positive reinforcement to encourage patient engagement and compliance with treatment and medical follow-up.