Anthrax:
Anthrax is began by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It
commonly affects livestock but can also infect humans through contact with
infected animals or dirtied animal products. Signs vary depending on the route
of exposure and can range from skin ulcers to severe respiratory or
gastrointestinal issues.
Botulism:
Caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, botulism
leads to muscle paralysis and can be fatal. It's usually contracted through
consuming contaminated food, specifically improperly canned foods or honey.
Cholera:
Cholera is a bacterial infection (Vibrio cholerae)
transmitted through contaminated water or food. It results in severe diarrhea
and dehydration, and without prompt treatment, it can be deadly.
Dengue Fever:
Dengue is a viral infection communicated by Aedes
mosquitoes. Symptoms include high fever, severe joint and muscle pain,
headache, and sometimes a rash. Severe cases can lead to hemorrhage or shock.
Ebola:
Ebola virus disease (EVD) causes severe illness, including
fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and bleeding. The virus spreads through shortest
contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals. EVD has high
mortality rates in some outbreaks.
Flu (Influenza):
Influenza viruses cause the flu, a spreadable respiratory illness
with signs like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Seasonal
flu vaccines are available to prevent infection.
Gonorrhea:
A sexually transmitted bacterial infection (Neisseria
gonorrhoeae), gonorrhea can cause pelvic pain, discharge, and in some cases,
infertility if left untreated.
Hepatitis:
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and several viruses
(A, B, C, etc.) cause it. Symptoms vary, but they can include jaundice,
fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis B and C can become continuing
and lead to severe liver damage.
Influenza (see Flu):
Japanese Encephalitis:
Transmitted by infected mosquitoes Japanese encephalitis
virus can cause inflammation in the brain. Symptoms range from mild flu-like
signs to severe neurological issues and, in some cases, death.
Lyme Disease:
Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, conveyed
through tick bites, Lyme disease leads to skin rash, fever, joint pain, and
neurological problems if left untreated.
Malaria:
Malaria is a severe disease caused by Plasmodium parasites communicated
through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever,
chills, and flu-like illness, which, if not promptly treated, can be fatal.
Norovirus Infection:
Norovirus causes viral gastroenteritis, leading to vomiting,
diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. It spreads through contaminated food,
water, or surfaces and can cause outbreaks in closed settings like cruise
ships.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough):
Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, a highly
contagious respiratory disease. It starts with cold-like symptoms and progresses
to severe coughing fits.
Q Fever:
Caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, Q fever results
in fever, fatigue, and severe headaches. It's usually transmitted to humans
from infected animals.
Rabies:
Rabies is a viral disease communicated through the bite of
infected animals. It affects the central nervous organization, causing
paralysis and, if left untreated, it's almost always fatal.
Salmonella Infection:
Salmonella bacteria cause food poisoning with symptoms such
as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Contaminated food, especially eggs
and poultry, are common sources of infection.
Tuberculosis (TB):
Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB, a bacterial infection
primarily affecting the lungs. It spreads through the air and can cause
coughing, chest pain, and weight loss.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
UTIs occur when bacteria pollute the urinary system, leading
to symptoms like frequent urination, pain during urination, and abdominal
discomfort.
Varicella (Chickenpox):
Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox, a highly
contagious disease with itchy skin rashes and flu-like symptoms. Vaccination is
available to prevent it.
West Nile Fever:
Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, West Nile virus causes
fever, body aches, skin rash, and sometimes severe neurological disease.
Xeroderma (Skin Conditions):
While not typically infectious, xeroderma refers to
excessively dry skin, making it more susceptible to infections or irritations.
Yellow Fever:
Yellow fever virus, transmitted by infected mosquitoes,
causes fever, jaundice, and in severe cases, organ failure and death.
Vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic areas.
Zika Virus:
Zika virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can
cause birth defects in pregnant women and neurological complications in adults.
Conclusion:
Infectious diseases encompass a wide range of illnesses
caused by various pathogens, affecting individuals globally. Understanding the
characteristics, modes of transmission, and available preventive measures and
treatments for these diseases is crucial in managing and controlling their
spread and impact on public health.
