Ayuba e-Health Learning and Technology

Posts

Cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae . It leads to severe dehydration and, if untreated, can be fatal. The disease is primarily spread through contaminated water and food, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. Any person 5 years of age or older who develops severe dehydration or dies from acute watery diarrhea, with or without vomiting. Signs and Symptoms Profuse watery diarrhea (“rice water” stools) Vomiting Rapid dehydration Muscle cramps Sunken eyes Dry mouth and extreme thirst Weakness and lethargy Hypotension (low blood pressure) Reduced or absent urine output Complications Severe dehydration leading to shock Kidney failure Electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis) Death if untreated Transmission Ingestion of water or food contaminated with Vibrio cholerae Fecal-oral route (poor sanitation and hygiene) Consumption of raw or undercooked seafood Person-to-person transmission is rare Causativ...

Hernia

A hernia is a condition in which an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. It commonly occurs in the abdominal wall but can also develop in other parts of the body. Signs and Symptoms A visible lump or bulge in the affected area (e.g., abdomen, groin) Pain or discomfort, especially when lifting, coughing, or straining A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the affected region Burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge In some cases, nausea or vomiting if the hernia becomes obstructed Complications Incarceration: The hernia becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back in, causing pain. Strangulation: Blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off, leading to tissue death (a medical emergency). Bowel obstruction: If intestines are involved, it can lead to blockage and digestive issues. Chronic pain: Persistent discomfort due to nerve compression or irritation. Transmission Hernia is not an infectious dis...

Trachoma

Trachoma is a chronic infectious disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis , leading to conjunctival inflammation and scarring that can result in blindness if untreated. It is a major cause of preventable blindness worldwide, particularly in poor, rural areas with limited access to clean water and healthcare. Any person with red stickly eyes who complaints of pain and itchiness of the eyes. Is a chronic infection of the cunjunctiva and cornea caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. Signs and Symptoms Trachoma progresses through five stages: Follicular Trachoma – Small follicles (bumps) appear on the inner eyelid. Intense Inflammation – Severe redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. Eyelid Scarring – Repeated infections cause scarring of the inner eyelid. Trichiasis – The eyelashes turn inward and rub against the cornea. Corneal Opacity – Scarring of the cornea leads to vision loss and blindness. Additional symptoms include: Eye redness and irritation Discha...

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to either inadequate insulin production by the pancreas or the body's inability to effectively use insulin. Signs and Symptoms Increased thirst (polydipsia) Frequent urination (polyuria) Excessive hunger (polyphagia) Unexplained weight loss Fatigue Blurred vision Slow-healing wounds Frequent infections (e.g., skin, gums, urinary tract) Numbness or tingling in hands and feet Complications If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to: Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke) Neuropathy (nerve damage) Nephropathy (kidney disease) Retinopathy (eye damage, blindness) Diabetic foot ulcers and amputations Increased risk of infections Ketoacidosis (in Type 1 Diabetes) Transmission Diabetes is not a communicable disease; it does not spread from person to person. It is influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Causative Agent Diabetes is not caused by a pathogen....

Primary Health Care (PHC)

Primary Health Care is a holistic approach to health and well-being that focuses on providing essential healthcare services to individuals and communities at the first point of contact. It emphasizes prevention, promotion, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, ensuring accessible. Primary health care is essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable methods and technology, made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost that the community and country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development, in the spirit of self-reliance and self-determination. Primary health care is the first level of contact for individuals, families, and communities with the national healthcare system. Definition of Health Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease...

Tryponosomiasis

Trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in animals, is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma . It affects both humans and animals and is transmitted by insect vectors. Signs and Symptoms The symptoms vary depending on the type of trypanosomiasis: 1. African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness) Early Stage (Hemolymphatic Phase): Fever Headache Joint and muscle pain Swollen lymph nodes Skin rash Itching Late Stage (Neurological Phase): Confusion Changes in behavior Daytime sleepiness and nighttime insomnia Poor coordination Coma (if untreated) 2. American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease) Acute Phase: Fever Swelling at the bite site (Chagoma) Romaña’s sign (swollen eyelid) Fatigue Enlarged liver or spleen Chronic Phase: Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) Heart failure Digestive system problems (megacolon, megaesophagus) Complications African Trypanosomiasis: Can lead to irreversi...

Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by filarial worms that affects the lymphatic system, leading to severe swelling and disability. It is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects the lymphatic system. Signs and Symptoms Many infections are asymptomatic, but symptomatic cases can include: Lymphedema (swelling, usually in the legs, arms, breasts, or genitalia) Hydrocele (fluid accumulation in the scrotum) Elephantiasis (severe thickening of the skin and underlying tissues) Fever , chills, and body aches due to secondary infections Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) Recurrent skin infections Complications Permanent disfigurement and disability Psychological and social stigma Secondary bacterial infections Impaired mobility and reduced quality of life Transmission Lymphatic filariasis is transmitted through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito (from genera Culex, Anopheles, or Aedes) bites a person, filarial larvae ente...

Injection Safety

Injection safety refers to the practice of ensuring that injections (both therapeutic and preventive) are administered in a way that does not harm the patient, healthcare provider, or the community. It includes using sterile equipment, following proper procedures, and preventing infections or complications. Key Components of Injection Safety: 1. Use of Sterile Equipment: Single-use syringes and needles: These should be used only once and then properly disposed of to prevent reuse. Sterilization: Any reusable equipment must be properly sterilized before use. 2. Proper Hand Hygiene: Healthcare providers should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after administering injections. 3. Aseptic Technique: This involves using methods to prevent contamination of the injection site and the medication being administered. This includes cleaning the injection site with an approp...

Sexually Transmitted Infection

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS Any male with an ulcer on the penis, scrotum, or rectum, with or without inguinal adenopathy. Any female with an ulcer on the labia, vagina, or rectum, with or without inguinal adenopathy. This is a group of infectious or contagious diseases that are transmitted by sexual contact. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Painful urination, pus discharge from sex organs, pain during sexual activity, inflammation of sex organs, soreness and itching of the genitals, swollen glands, and sore throat. CAUSATIVE AGENTS Neisseria gonorrhoeae (bacteria). Haemophilus ducreyi (bacteria). Trichomonas vaginalis (protozoa). INCUBATION PERIOD 1-5 days, 4-18 days, and 8-14 days. TRANSMISSION Sexual contact either genitally (genital to genital), orally (oro-genital...

Immunization

Immunization: Protecting Lives, One Vaccine at a Time Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases and protect public health. Vaccines have saved millions of lives worldwide by preventing deadly outbreaks and reducing the burden of illness. Despite their proven benefits, myths and misinformation continue to create hesitancy. In this article, we’ll explore why immunization is essential, the key vaccines everyone should know about, and debunk common misconceptions. Why Immunization Matters Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight harmful pathogens without causing illness. They help: Prevent serious diseases – Vaccines protect against life-threatening infections like measles, polio, and hepatitis. Reduce healthcare costs – Preventing disease is far more cost-effective than treating severe infections. Build herd immunity – When a large portion of the population is vaccinated, it limits the spread of diseases, protecting even th...

Vitamins and Their Chemical Names

Vitamin A Chemical Name: Retinol Deficiency disease: night blindness Source : Carrot, 🥛 Milk, 🥚 Egg, 🍓 Fruit. Vitamin – B1 Chemical Name: Thiamine Deficiency disease: Beri-beri Source : Peanuts, Potatoes, Vegetables Vitamin – B2 Chemical Name: Riboflabin Deficiency diseases: skin eruptions, eye disease Source : Egg, Milk, Green vegetables Vitamin – B3 Chemical Name: Pantothenic Acid Deficiency diseases: burning in feet, white hair Source : Meat🍗,🥛 Milk, Tomato, Peanut Vitamin- B5 Chemical Name: Nicotinamide (Niacin) Deficiency disease: Menstrual disorder (pellagra) Sources: meat🍖, peanuts, potatoes . . * . . Vitamin- B6 Chemical Name: Pyridoxine Deficiency diseases: anemia, skin diseases Source : milk, 🍗meat, vegetables Vitamin – H / B7 Chemical Name: Biotin Deficiency diseases: hair fall, skin di...

Lassa Fever

Is an infection caused by lassa fever virus which is spread mostly by rats that have many breasts. Is an infection with gradual onset with one OR more of the following: Malaise, fever, headache, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, chest pain, hearing loss, and history of contact with excreta of rodents OR with a case of Lassa fever. Lassa Fever Virus: Was discovered in a village called Lassa in Borno State and has been found in other states in Nigeria. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS High fever, sore throat, cough, back pain, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, restlessness, swelling of the face, bleeding through body openings (nose, ears, eyes, and mouth), etc. TRANSMISSION Fecal-oral route with contaminated urine, feces, saliva, and blood of the rats. Inhalation with contaminated soil. CAUSATIVE AGENTS Lassa fever virus. INCUBATION PERIOD 6-21 days after contacted with Lassa fever virus. PREVENTION AND CONTROL 1. Use of rodenticides. 2. Treatment of an infected pers...

Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It primarily affects the respiratory system but can also impact other organs. Signs and Symptoms COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe and may include: Common Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and loss of taste or smell. Severe Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Complications Severe cases of COVID-19 can lead to: Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Multi-organ failure Blood clots and stroke Long COVID (persistent symptoms lasting weeks or months) Death, especially in high-risk individuals Transmission COVID-19 spreads mainly through: Respiratory droplets (from coughing, sneezing, or talking) Airborne transmission (in poorly ventilated areas) Direct contact (touching an infected...

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis is an acute bacterial communicable infection that affects the lower respiratory tract from the trachea to the bronchioles. It is characterized by a cough illness lasting at least 2 weeks with either paroxysms of coughing, an inspiratory whoop, or post-tussive vomiting without any other apparent cause. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Fever, cough, whooping sound, sneezing, runny nose, vomiting, loss of appetite, and tearing eyes. COMPLICATIONS Convulsions/seizures, reduced oxygen supply, otitis media, dehydration, and death. TRANSMISSION Airborne droplets. CAUSATIVE AGENT Bordetella pertussis. INCUBATION PERIOD 7 to 10 days, but it may be as long as 3 weeks. PREVENTION AND CONTROL 1. Immunization with the pentavalent vaccine. 2. Treatment of an infected person. 3. Isolation. 4. Surveillance 5. Environmental and personal hygiene. 6. Health education.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an acute bacterial communicable infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose, tonsils, pharynx, and larynx, and it can cause respiratory obstruction. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Fever, cough, sore throat, laryngitis, headache, pain, and loss of appetite. TRANSMISSION By airborne droplets, direct contact, indirect contact (through fomites), and by ingestion of contaminated raw milk. CAUSATIVE AGENT Corynebacterium diphtheriae. INCUBATION PERIOD 2 to 5 days. PREVENTION AND CONTROL 1. Immunization with the pentavalent vaccine. 2. Treatment of an infected person. 3. Isolation. 4. Surveillance 5. Environmental and personal hygiene. 6. Health education.

Meningitis

Any person with a sudden onset of high fever of 38.5°C rectally or 38.0°C axillary, plus one of the following signs: 1. Stiffness of the neck. 2. Altered consciousness. OR 3. Meningeal signs. It is an acute bacterial communicable infection that affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is an acute bacterial communicable disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Any person with a sudden onset of fever and stiffness. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Fever, stiff neck, stiffness of the back, headache, coma. TRANSMISSION By airborne droplets. By direct contact. CAUSATIVE AGENT Meningococcus, called Neisseria meningitidis. INCUBA...

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a very serious chronic bacterial communicable infection that attacks the lungs and other parts of the body. TYPES OF TUBERCULOSIS 1. PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS: This type of tuberculosis affects the lungs. 2. EXTRAPULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS: This type of tuberculosis affects the bones, kidneys, brain, abdomen, and reproductive organs. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Fever, cough, chest pain, night sweats, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, loss of appetite, coughing up blood in the later stages, chronic fatigue, emaciation. TRANSMISSION Transmission occurs via airborne droplets from the sputum of an infected person, consumption of infected cow's milk, and prolonged exposure to an active case may lead to infection. CAUSATIVE AGENT Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tubercle bacillus). INCUBATION PERIOD 4 to 12 weeks. RESERVOIR Humans and cows. PREVENTION AND CONTROL 1. Immunization with the BCG vaccine. 2. Treatment of infected individuals. 3. Isolation. 4. Surveillance. 5....

Yellow Fever

Any person with sudden onset of high fever followed by jaundice within two weeks from the onset of the first symptoms. It is an acute infectious disease caused by the yellow fever virus. It is an acute disease of high mortality. TYPE OF YELLOW FEVER 1. Urban or Rural (Epidemic) (man to man) 2. Sylvatic or Jungle (monkey to monkey) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Fever, jaundice, headache, hematuria, bleeding of gums, backache, muscle pain, vomiting, abdominal disturbance, chills. TRANSMISSION By the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. CAUSATIVE AGENT Yellow fever virus. INCUBATION PERIOD 3–6 days. RESERVOIR Man and monkey. PREVENTION AND CONTROL 1. Immunization with the yellow fever vaccine. 2. Treatment of an infected person. 3. Surveillance 4. Sanitation. 5. Use of insecticides. 6. Health education

Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP)

Any child under 15 years of age with sudden onset of weakness, paralysis or floppiness of the limbs (hands or legs or both). Any person of any age with a paralytic illness in whom a clinician suspects poliomyelitis. It is an acute viral infection resulting in flaccid paralysis (infantile paralysis). It is a crumpling disease that affects the limbs. 𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙎 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙎𝙔𝙈𝙋𝙏𝙊𝙈𝙎 Weakness,paralysis or floppiness of the upper or lower limbs or both 𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙎𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉 It is transmitted through the fecal-oral route (food and water contaminated). 𝘾𝘼𝙐𝙎𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝘼𝙂𝙀𝙉𝙏 Poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3. 𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙐𝘽𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙊𝘿 3 to 21 days or 7 to 12 days but usually 10 days. 𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙑𝙊𝙄𝙍 Human. 𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙇 1. Immunization with the polio vaccine 2. Isolation 3. Treatment of an infected person 4. Surveillance 5. Avoidance of overcrowding 6. Standards of personal and environmental hygiene 7. Health education 𝘿𝙄𝙁𝙁𝙀𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙄𝘼𝙇 ...

Measles

Any person with fever and maculopapular rashes PLUS one of the following signs: 1. Conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes) 2. Coryza (runny nose) 3. Cough is an acute viral communicable disease caused by the measles virus (rubeola). SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Fever, rashes, conjunctivitis, coryza, cough, headache, malaise, otitis media, inflammation of the respiratory tract, dehydration. TRANSMISSION Droplets or contact with an infected person. CAUSATIVE AGENT Measles virus (rubeola virus) INCUBATION PERIOD 7–18 days or 16–18 days, but usually 10 days. RESERVOIR Humans PREVENTION A...

Tetanus (Lock Jow)

Tetanus is a deadly infection caused by a bacterium that lives in dirty soil or animal feces. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Stiffness of the jaw, stiffness of the neck, convulsions, painful muscular spasms, failure to suck in a baby, fever, photophobia. TRANSMISSION Through puncture wounds from sharp objects. Through infected sharp materials. CAUSATIVE AGENT Clostridium tetani. INCUBATION PERIOD Usually 3 days to 3 weeks. PREVENTION AND CONTROL 1. Immunization with T.D. and pentavalent vaccine. 2. Treatment of an infected person. 3. Environmental sanitation. 4. Surveillance 5. Health education. Summary Tetanus is a preventable yet potentially fatal disease caused by Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by muscle rigidity and spasms following the entry of bacterial spores into a wound. The disease is not transmitted person-to-person but is acquired from environmental sources. With an incubation period generally between 3 and 21 days, ea...

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the genital tract, rectum, and throat. SUGNS AND SYMPTOMS Symptoms can vary by sex and infection site: In Men Burning sensation during urination White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis Pain or swelling in one or both testicles In Women Increased vaginal discharge Painful urination Vaginal bleeding between periods Pelvic or abdominal pain In Rectal Infections (Both Sexes) Anal itching Discharge from the rectum Painful bowel movements In Throat Infections Sore throat Swollen lymph nodes in the neck COMPLICATIONS If untreated, gonorrhea can cause: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, leading to infertility Epididymitis in men, potentially causing infertility Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI), spreading to the blood and joints Increased risk of HIV transmission TRANSMISSION Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with an i...

Pneumococcal Pneumonia

PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA Pneumococcal pneumonia is an acute bacterial communicable disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae that affects the lungs. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Fever, chest indrawing, cough, headache, fast breathing, sinusitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, otitis media. CHRONIC SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Meningitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, septicemia, stiff neck. TRANSMISSION Airborne, droplets, direct contact, and contaminated articles. CAUSATIVE AGENT Streptococcus pneumoniae. INCUBATION PERIOD 1 to 3 days. PREVENTION AND CONTROL 1. Immunizat...

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. Some types cause benign warts, while others are associated with cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS HPV infections often do not cause symptoms, but when they do, they can include: Genital warts (small, flesh-colored bumps, often clustered) Common warts ( on hands and fingers) Plantar warts (on the soles of the feet) Flat warts (smooth lesions that appear anywhere on the body) Precancerous lesions ( detected via screening, often asymptomatic) COMPLICATIONS Cervical cancer (strongly linked to high-risk HPV types 16 and 18) Other cancers (vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal) Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) (HPV infection in the airway, causing voice and breathing difficulties) TRANSMISSION Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral sex) Skin-to-skin contact (even without interco...

Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It primarily affects tropical and subtropical regions Signs and Symptoms Fever Chills Sweating Headache Muscle and joint pain Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea (in some cases) Abdominal pain Anemia (due to destruction of red blood cells) Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Rapid breathing and heart rate Complications Severe anemia Cerebral malaria (brain infection leading to seizures and coma) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Kidney failure Liver failure Shock and multi-organ failure Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Stillbirth or low birth weight in pregnant women Transmission Bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito Blood transfusion from an infected person Sharing of contaminated needles or syringes Congenital transmission (from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth) Causative Agent M...

Search This Blog