Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are those diseases which spread from one person to another via various media.

Safety Measures against communicable diseases

1. Use of safe water
2. Safe and balanced diet
3. Immunization
4. Cleanliness
5. Use of toilet

Meningitis

The brain is covered with a thin film of meninges from all side. Due to infection of various kinds of germs and viruses this layer of meninges swells giving pressure on the brain. This results in high fever and excruciating headache leading to death. Droplet infection and Infected goods are the modes of transmission of this disease.

Symptoms

• Severe headache
• High fever
• Vomiting
• Muscle spasm
• Irregular pulse rate

Prevention measure

• Personal, family and environmental cleanliness should be maintained.
• Sputum and mucus of patient should be buried or burnt.
• Take Meningococcal vaccine
• Covering one's mouth and nose while sniffing and coughing

Encephalitis

It is a dangerous and a fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Swelling and inflammation of the brain takes place when a person suffers from encephalitis and is followed by high fever, unconsciousness, and even death. Specially this disease spreads during summer. It is caused by the virus called 'Arbor- Virus'.

Symptoms

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Nausea
• Stiff neck
• Loss of memory

Preventive measure:

• Proper sanitation should be maintained.
• Anti mosquito insecticides should be sprayed in stagnant water and proper drainage of the water system should be established.
• Pigs and ducks should not be reared haphazardly near residential area.
• Health education should be imparted.

Kala-Azar

It is transmitted by the bite of a type of fly, living in the sand, called 'sand fly'. It transmits a parasite called 'Leishmania Donovan' which causes kaka-azar.

Symptoms

• The liver and the spleen swell and stop functioning resulting in pain in the liver.
• Lymph nodes swell, skin becomes rough and dry, the body loses weight and becomes weaker.
• Anemia, intermittent fever and loss of appetite.

Preventive measures

• Destroy sand-flies using insecticides.
• Maintain proper sanitation in and around the house.
• Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
• Visit the nearest health center or hospital foe checkup if kala-Azar is suspected.

Hepatitis-B

Hepatitis-B results from wind, blood, sexual contact, drugs, households of the patient etc. It damages the liver that leads to death. It is usually seen in people over age 20-40. It is fifty to hundred times more infectious than HIV.

Symptoms:

• Loss of appetite and vomiting,
• Body weakness and tiredness,
• Nails, eyes, skin etc. turns yellow,
• Dark urine

Preventive measures:

• Examine the blood before taking or giving,
• Use of patient's clothing or any materials after a fine wash,
• Infected tools and syringe must not be used,
• Early vaccination,
• Avoid taking drugs, alcohol, and smoking,
• Go to the clinics and consult with the doctor.