AIDS/HIV
AIDS is a disease that progressively damages the immune
system. It is casued by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency
Virus). Without an effective immune system, life-threatening
infections eventually develop. There is no vaccine or medicine
to prevent or cure AIDS. It can be prevented by practicing safe
sex.
Bilharzia
Bilharzia is a human disease caused by parasitic worms called
Schistosomes. The acute form of schistosomiasis is sometimes
known as snail fever and cutaneous schistosomiasis is sometimes
commonly called swimmer's itch. The disease affects many people
in developing countries, and in certain African communities
and east Asia.
Cholera
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium
Vibrio cholerae. The infection is often mild and self-limited
or subclinical. Severe illness may lead to volume depletion.
Even patients with severe cases respond dramatically to simple
fluid and electrolyte-replacement therapy. Infection is acquired
primarily by ingesting contaminated water or food; person-to-person
transmission is rare.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a group of diseases of the liver that can
be caused by consuming contaminated water or food, using dirty
needles or syringes, or practicing unsafe sex. Scientists have
identified six hepatitis viruses : A, B, C, D, E, F, G. People
infected with hepatitis can experience effects ranging from
mild illness to serious liver damage. Many recover completely
from an infection, while others become carriers of the disease
and can spread it to others unknowingly. It can prevented by
immunization.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis is a brain infection caused by a virus
spread by mosquitoes in asian countries. People travelling to
areas outside cities during rainy months are recommended to
take injections before entering the areas.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection that attacts the outer lining of
the brain and spinal chord. It is spread from one person to
another through direct contact with someone who has meningitis
or when someone with meningitis coughs, sneezes or spits. It
is recommended that you take an injection when visiting infected
areas.
Polio
Polio is an acute viral infectious disease spreads easily via
human-to-human contact. It can be prevented by immunization.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by the saliva of a rabid mammal.
Transmission usually occurs through a bite, scratch, lick on an open would or more rarely through
saliva landing on a mucous membrane such as an eye or mouth. Rabies can be prevented by immunization.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a medical condition that is characterized by a prolonged
contraction of skeletal muscle fibers. Infection generally occurs through
wound contamination, and often involves a cut or deep puncture wound. It can
be prevented by immunization.
Typhoid
Typhoid Fever is caused by a bacteria that is spread through
contaminated food and water. The best way to avoid it is to
make sure that food and water are safe. It can be prevented
by vaccination.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria which can cause
serious lung infections. It is usually spread by nasal droplets
from an infected person. It can affect any organ or tissue in
the body. Approximately fifty percent of people infected with tuberculosis will die if
untreated.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a serious disease caused by a virus. It is spread by mosquitoes in the tropical area of Africa
and South America. It is important to avoid mosquito bites while visiting these areas. It can be
prevented by vaccination.
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