Communicable diseases

Respiratory diseases, Intestinal Infections, Arthropod borne diseases, surface infections and sexually transmitted diseases

1. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Dr. RameshBhandari
Assistant Professor,
Department of Pharmacy Practice,
KLE College of Pharmacy, Belgaum

2. CommunicableDiseaseisdefinedasan
illnessofinfectiousnaturewhichcan
spreadfromonepersontoanother
directlyorindirectlythroughan
infectiousagent.
Infectedpersonwhichdoesnotshow
theclinicalsymptomsofthedisease
andactasreservoiroftheinfectious
agentiscalledascarrier.

3. RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

4. Respiratory Infections
Chickenpox,
Measles,
Rubella,
Mumps,
Diphtheria,
Whoopingcough,
Meningococcal
meningitis,
Acute respiratory
infections,
Tuberculosis,
Ebola
Influenza(includingAvian-Flu,H1N1,
SARS,MERS,COVID-19)

5. CHICKEN POX
ItisalsoknownasVaricella.
Itisanacuteviralinfection.
Mainlyitoccursinchildrenbelow10
yearsofage.
Oneattackgenerallyacquireimmunity
forrestofthelife.

6. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Varicella–ZoosterVirus
Itistransmittedbydropletnucleiand
dropletinfection.
Itcanbetransmittedbypersonal
contactwithinfectedperson.
Itcancrosstheplacentalbarrierand
infectthefoetus

7. Incubation Period: 14 to 21 days
Sign and
symptoms
Mild Fever
Itching
Vesicular
rash on trunk,
face and limbs

8. Prevention and control
Isolationofthepatientfor6daysafter
theonsetofrash.
Disinfectallthearticlesusedbythe
patient.
Varicellazoosterimmunoglobulin1
gm(1.25-5ml)byintramusculargiven
within72hoursofexposurewillacquire
passiveimmunityagainstchickenpox.
Thereisnospecifictreatmentfor
chickenpox.

9. MEASLES
Itisoneofthecommonestinfectious
diseaseofchildrenupto6yearsof
age.
Oneattackgiveshighdegreeof
immunityforthewholelife.
Motherwhohadanattackofmeasles
impartsimmunitytoherinfantsforthe
firstsixmonthsofage.

10. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
RNA Paramyxovirus
Directpersontopersonthrough
dropletinfectioni.e.sneezing,talking,
kissingetc.
Infectivematerialissecretionfnose,
throatandrespiratorytract.

11. Incubation Period: 10-14 days
Sign and symptoms
High Fever
Sneezing
Watery and red
eyes
Cough
Koplik’sspot
followed by
maculopapularrash
in face, neck then
whole body.

12. Prevention and control
Prevention:Measlesvaccination0.5mlatthe
ageof9-12months.Ifcontraindicatedthen
immunoglobulincanbegiven.
Isolatethepatientfor7daysaftertherash
appears.
Protecttheeyesofthepatientfromlight.
Disinfectthedischargesofnoseandthroatof
thepatient.
Immunisethesusceptiblechildren.

13. DIPHTHERIA
Itisanacuteinfectiousdiseaseaffectingmost
commonlythroat,tonsils,larynxornose
whereitproducesagreyishwhitefalse
membraneofasolubleexotoxin.
Ifthatmembranespreadstotheairpassage,
itmayblockentryofairandcausedifficultyof
breathing.
Itiswidelydistributeddiseasesandaffects
personsofallagesbutchildrenintheageof
3-5yearsaremoreaffected.

14. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Corynebacteriumdiphtheriae
Itisspreadbydropletinfectionand
throughcarriersandpatients.
Handlingoffomitescontaminatedby
nasalorthroatsecretionsalsotransmitthe
disease.
Itcanbespreadthroughsneezing,
coughing,spitting,speakingetc.

15. Incubation Period: 2-5 days or longer
Sign and
symptoms
Fever
Toxaemia
Difficulty in
swallowing
Patches of
greyish yellow
membrane over
tonsils & throat.

16. Prevention and control
PreventionisbyimmunisationwithDPTvaccine
(0.5ml)attheageof2,4&6month.Aboosterdose
canbegivenat1andhalfyearsandat5yearsof
DTisgiven.
Isolationofthepatientathomeorhospitalinawell
ventilatedroom.
Articleusedbypatientshouldbedisinfected.
Goodpersonalhygieneshouldbemaintained.
Effortsshouldbemadeforearlydetectionof
diphtheriacarriers.

17. Treatment:
Diphtheriaantitoxinmustbegiven
immediately.
Antibioticslikepenicillinorerythromycinmay
begiven.
Fluiddietshouldbegiventothepatient.
Thehouseholdorothercontactsmaybe
givenprophylacticdoseofdiphtheria
antitoxin.

18. WHOOPING COUGH
Itisalsoknownaspertussis.
Itishighlyinfectiousdiseaseofthelower
respiratorytractwhichaffecttrachea,bronchi
andbronchioles.
Itoccursinallagesbutmostcommonin
childrenunder5yearsofage.
Itisdangerousifitaffectsinfantsundersix
monthsofage.
Femalesaremoreaffectedthanmales.

19. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Bordetellapertussis
Itspreaddirectlybydropletinfectionor
indirectlythroughfomitescontaminated
withnasalorbuccalsecretions.
Thegermsarespreadintotheairduring
talking,sneezingorcoughingbythe
patient.

20. Incubation Period: 7-14 days
Sign and
symptoms
slight fever
Running nose
Whooping
sound while
cough
Catarrhal,
paroxysmal and
convalescent
stage.

21. Prevention and control
PreventionisdonebyimmunisationwithDPT
Vaccineat2,4,6monthofage.Boosterdoseis
givenattheageof1andhalfyears.
Infantsareprotectedfromexposuretothisdisease.
Isolatethepatient.
Disinfectthenasalandbuccaldischargeofthe
patient.
Disinfectthefomitesofthepatient.
Coughpreparationsandantibioticscanbegiven.
Affectedchildrenshouldnotallowedtogotoschool
forperiodof6weeks.

22. TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosisisachronicinfectiousdiseaseof
lungscausedbyMycobacteriumtuberculosis.
Itismorecommonindevelopingcountries.
Primarilyitaffectslungsandcausespulmonary
tuberculosis.
Itcanalsoaffectintestines,meningesofthe
brain,bones,joints,lymphglands,skinetc.
Itcanoccuratanyagebutmorecommoninold
personsthaninyoungpersons.
Morecommoninmalnourished,poorhygienic
conditionsandwholiveinovercrowdedplaces.

23. Causative agent
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycobacterium bovis
Atypical Mycobacterium

24. Mode of Transmission
Itisspreadbydropletinfection.Whenthedroplets
areexpelledbytubercularpatientthroughcoughing,
sneezing,talkingandinhaledbythehealthypersons.
Byinhalingfinedustparticlescontainingtubercle
bacilli.
Byhandlingsputumandotherdischargesofthe
tubercularpatient.
Bydirectcontactwiththepatient.
Byconsumingfoodanddrinkscontaminatedwith
tuberclebacilli.
Byconsumingmilkderivedfromacoworbuffaloes
sufferingfromtuberculosisandwithoutproperboiling.
Fliesalsocantransmittheinfectionby
contaminatingthefood.

25. Incubation Period: few months to years.
Sign and
symptoms
Excessive
fatigue
Evening rise of
temperature.
Chest pain
Loss of weight
Chronic cough
Blood in the
sputum

26. Prevention and control
Generalmeasures:
Keepthepatientinwellventilatedhouse.
Healtheducationshouldbeprovidedtothepeople.
Adviceproperbalanceddiet.
Peopleshouldbeeducatednottospithereand
there.
Milkshouldbeconsumedafterproperboiling.
Maintainpersonalhygiene.

27. Specific measures:
Tuberculosispatientshouldbedetectedasearlyas
possiblebydoingsputumexamination.
Infectedpersonshouldbeisolated.
Allthedetectedtuberculosispatientshouldbetreated
withantituberculardrugs.
Patientshouldnotbeallowedtospithereandthere.
Whilecoughingortalkingpatientshouldwearaface
maskorkeephandkerchiefbeforehismouthwhile
coughing.
Prevention:ImmunisationbyBCGvaccinecanbe
giventothenewbornsbelow4yearsofage.

28. Rubella
ItisalsoknownasGerman
measles.
Itisanacutechildhoodinfection
usuallymildlastingfor3days.
Infectioninearlypregnancymay
causeabnormalitiesorevendeath
tothefoetus.

29. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Rubella Virus
Itspreaddirectlyfrompersontoperson
bydropletinfectionfromnoseandthroat
anddropletnucleiintheformofaerosols.

30. Incubation Period: 2-3 weeks.
Sign and symptoms
Low grade fever
Minute, discrete,
pinkish macular
Rash
Rash starts from
behind the ears,
then head & neck
Sore throat
Enlargement of
lymph nodes

31. Prevention and control
Vaccinationwithcombinedvaccinemeasles,
mumpsandrubella(MMR)isthemainstayof
prevention.
Vaccinationofchildbearingage(15-39years)
womentoavoidcongenitalrubella.
Pharmacistsshouldemphasizetoallpregnant
women aboutpossibilityofcongenital
malformationswithrubellainfection.

32. Mumps
Itisacuteinfectioncausedbyvirus
whichhaspreferenceforglandular
andnervoustissue.
Themainfeaturesofdiseaseis
enlargementandtendernessofone
orboththe(salivary)parotidgland.
Itmayalsoaffectstestes,
pancreas,ovaries,prostrateand
CNS.

33. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Myxovirusparotiditis
Itspreaddirectlyfrompersontoperson
bydropletinfection.
Aninfectedpersoncoughingorsneezing
andreleasingtinydropletsofcontaminated
saliva

34. Incubation Period: 2-3 weeks.
Sign and symptoms
Fever, Headache
Pain and swelling
in either one or both
gland
Ear ache in
childrens
Pain and stiffness
while opening mouth

35. Prevention and control
Vaccinationwithcombinedvaccinemeasles,
mumpsandrubella(MMR)isthemainstayof
prevention.2dosesinchildren(1
st
:12-15months,
2
nd
:4-6Years)
Vaccineshouldnotbeadministere-dtopregnant
women,patientreceivingimmunosuppressive
therapyandwhoisseverelyill.
Isolationtilltheclinicalsymptomssubside.
Disinfectallthearticlesusedbypatient.

36. INFLUENZA
Itishighlycommunicabledisease
oftheupperrespiratorytractalso
knownas“Flu”.
Itaffectspeopleofallagesand
bothgender.

37. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Influenza Virus A, B and C.
Theinfluenzavirusispresentinthe
nasalsecretionsandthesputumof
thepatient.
Directcontact
Droplet nuclei and droplet infection
i.e. Coughing, sneezing or talking.

38. Incubation Period: 1-2 days
Sign and
symptoms
Fever last for
1-5 days.
Chills
Headache
Pain in the limb
and back, sore
throat and
cough.

39. Prevention and control
Isolatethesuspectedcases.
Duringillnessavoidmeetingpeopleforoneweek.
Avoidgoingtoovercrowdedplaces.
Bodyshouldbeprotectedfromchillsbywearing
sufficientwarmclothes.
Facemaskshouldbeusedwhileattendinga
patient.
Disinfectthematerialsusedbythepatient.
Sneezingspittingandcoughinginpublicplaces
shouldbeavoided.

40. Prevention:
Vaccination
Prophylacticdrugamantadine
canbegiven.
Nospecifictreatmentbut
amantadineorsimantidine100mg
twiceadaycanbegiven.

41. AVIAN FLU
It is a viral disease caused by avian
influenza (bird flu) Type A Viruses.
Causative agent
Avian Influenza viruses usually
infects bird species commonly wild
bird species.

42. Mode of transmission
Donotnormallyinfecthumans
Itcanbetransferredfromtheinfected
animalstothehumanbeingsbycontact
withbirdfaecesorsecretions.
Undercookedpoultrymeatoreggsfrom
infectedbirdschicken,ducksand
turkeys.

43. Incubation Period: 2-7 days
Sign and symptoms:
Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Headache
Shortness of breath

44. Prevention and control
Well cooked poultry meat and eggs.
Protection from the birds faeces
and secretions.
Vaccine (H5N1 virus) can be
administered if available.
Treatment: Antiviral drugs
(Oseltamivir, zanamivir)

45. H1N1
It is commonly known as swine flu
primarily caused by H1N1 type of
influenza A virus.
Causative agent
H1N1 flu virus

46. Mode of transmission
Combinationofvirusesfrompigs,birds
andhumansthatcausesswinefluin
humans.
Transmittedthroughcontaminated
dropletorcontaminatedsurfacetoyour
eyes,noseormouth.

47. Sign and Symptoms:
Fever but not always
Chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose or stuffy now
Watery, red eyes
Body aches, headaches
Fatigue

48. Prevention and control
Flu vaccination
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
Cover your mouth while coughing and
sneezing
Avoid touching face
Clean surfaces
Avoid contact
Treatment:Antiviral drugs (oseltamivir,
Zanamivir, Peramivir)

49. SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) is a contagious sometime
fatal respiratory disease.
Causative agent:
SARS Virus (Strain of corona virus)

50. Mode of transmission
Itisspreadthroughdirectcontactorvia
dropletnuclei.

51. Sign and symptoms:
Flu like symptoms –fever, chills, muscle
aches, headache.
Fever of 100
0
F or higher
Dry cough
Shortness of breath

52. Prevention and control
Wash your hands thoroughly and
frequently
Wear disposable gloves
Wear surgical masks
Wash personal items
Avoid touching face
Disinfect surfaces
Treatment: Antiviral therapy may
helpful

53. MERS
Middle east respiratory syndrome
(MERS) is a viral disease affecting
respiratory system.
Causative agent:
MERS-Corona virus

54. Mode of transmission
Itisspreadthroughdropletnucleiand
dropletinfection.

55. Sign and symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Musclepain
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Pneumonia

56. Prevention and control
Wear a medical mask
Wear eye protection
Wear a clean non sterile long
sleeved gown and sterile gloves
Maintain hand hygiene
Treatment: No medicine available
only supportive management.

57. INTESTINAL INFECTIONS

58. POLIOMYELITIS
It is also known as infantile paralysis.
It is an acute infectious viral disease of
the human alimentary tract but may
affect the central nervous system
resulting in paralysis.
It affects all ages but children below five
years of age are more susceptible.
Male are affected more than females.

59. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Polio virus I, II, and III.
It spreads through fecal-oral route.
Virus is found in the nasopharyngeal
secretions, faeces and urine of patients
and carrier.
Infection can spread directly through
contaminated fingers or indirectly through
contaminated water, milk, food etc.

60. Incubation Period: 7-21 days
Sign and
symptoms
Preparalytic
symptoms (high
fever, headache,
chillness,
diarrhoea, pain)
Paralytic
symptoms(foot
drop, facial
paralysis etc)

61. Prevention and control
Prevention is done by active immunisation of all
infants and children uptofive years of age. Oral
polio vaccine.
OPV is given in 3 doses at the age of 1 and half
month, 2 and half month, and 3 and half month.1
st
booster dose at 18 months and next booster dose at
5 years of age.
Patient should be isolated.
Faeces, urine and other discharges of the patient
should be properly disposed.
Hygienic conditions should be maintained.

62. Proper for safe and adequate water
supply and sanitary disposal of solid
wastes should be made.
Flies should be destroyed.
Avoid over crowding in schools and
other places of gatherings.

63. Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis)
It is a communicable disease caused
by virus and affects liver.
Viral hepatitis includes hepatitis A and
Hepatitis B.
Infectious Hepatitis –Hepatitis A virus
Serum Hepatitis –Hepatitis B Virus
Delta Hepatitis –Hepatitis D Virus

64. Hepatitis A
It is formerly known as Infectious
Hepatitis.
Childrensare more affected than
adults.
An attack of hepatitis A generally
provides immunity against a
second attack.

65. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Hepatitis A Virus (enterovirus)
It spreads through faecal-oral route.
It can occur by using contaminated food,
water or milk.
May spread from person to person by
direct contact through contaminated hands.
Rarely transmitted through needles,
Blood products.

66. Incubation Period: 15-45 days
Sign and symptoms
Fever with chills
Nausea, vomitting
Headache
Jaundice
Fatigue
Liver enlarged
Generalized weakness

67. Prevention and control
Isolate the hepatitis cases.
Disinfect the faeces and fomitesof the patient.
Follow personal and community hygiene.
Antiflymeasures should be taken.
Needles and syringes should be properly sterilized.
It is advisable to use disposable syringes and
needles.
Human normal immunoglobulin should be
administered to all contacts before or within a week
of exposure.

68. Hepatitis B
It is also known as serum Hepatitis.
It is an acute systemic infection of liver,
sometimes leading to cancer of liver.
It affects all age group but more
common in adults than in children.

69. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Hepatitis B Virus
Parenteralroute: through infected blood,
and blood products, blood transfusion,
dialysis, contaminated needles and
syringes etc
Mother to foetus in uterus.
Transmitted by sexual contact or even
kissing.

70. Incubation Period: 60-180 days
Sign and symptoms
Fever with chills
Nausea, vomiting
Jaundice
Fatigue
Liver enlarged
Generalized weakness
Chronic liver disease which leads to
cancer of the liver.

71. Prevention and control
Avoid blood transfusion and its products which are
contaminated with hepatitis B virus.
Use disposable needles and syringes and always
use sterilized instruments for piercing ear or nose.
Give Hepatitis B vaccine by Intramuscular route. 3
doses of 1 ml each. 2
nd
dose is given one month
after the first dose and the third dose is given 5
months after the 2
nd
dose.
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin should be given
immediately to the persons who are exposed to
hepatitis virus within 24 hours.

72. CHOLERA
Cholera is an acute infectious disease
of the intestinal tract characterised by
sudden onset of severe diarrhoea and
vomiting leading to rapid dehydration
often resulting in death of the patient.
It affects all ages mainly people with
poor personal hygiene and
environmental hygiene.

73. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Vibriocholerae, EI Tor Vibrios
Fecal-oral route
Spread by ingestion of contaminated
water, food, milk, milk products or drinks
with discharges of the patient.
By careless handling of fomitesof
infected persons and not washing hands
properly.
Flies act as mechanical carriers.

74. Incubation Period: few hours to 5 days
Sign and symptoms
Diarrhoea (rice water stools)
Vomiting
Cramps in legs and abdomen
Rapid dehydration

75. Prevention and control
Early detection of suspected cases and
bacteriological examination of stools for
confirmation.
Notificationto the local health authority.
Isolation in hospital or treatment centre.
Disinfectionof stools, vomitus, clothes, bedding,
room and utensils.
Quarantinefor a period of five days.
Sanitary measureslike water control, fly control
and disposal excreta.

76. Treatmentwhich involves rehydration of the
patient with administration of fluid ORS and
antibiotics like tetracyclines. ORS contains;
Sodium chloride 3.5gm
Sodium bicarbonate2.5gm
Potassium chloride1.5gm
Glucose (Dextrose)20gm
Preventionby cholera vaccine
Health education stressing the importance of
food, personal hygiene and water hygiene.

77. TYPHOID
It is also known as enteric fever which
includes both typhoid and paratyphoid.
Typhoid is an acute communicable
disease caused by Salmonella typhiand
paratyphi.
It affects all ages but more common in
10-30 years of age peoples.

78. Causative agent
Mode of Transmission
Salmonella typhi,
Salmonella paratyphiA, B, C
Sources of infection are faeces and urine
of cases and carriers.
Transmitted by contaminated water and
food.
Also transmitted by contaminated fingers
and flies.
Poor sanitation and poor hygiene

79. Incubation Period: 7-28 days
Sign and symptoms:
Early symptoms include Nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, headache etc.
Continuous fever for 2-4 weeks. There
is a step wise increase to the extent of
1
0
C every day. (step ladder fever)
Weakness, tired, weight loss, poor
appetite
Slow pulse rate

80. Prevention and control
Water must be protected from contamination with
faeces, urine and sewage. Safe drinking water
supply should be made available to the public.
Water and milk should be consumed only after
boiling.
Human excreta and urine should be disposed in a
sanitary way.
Maintain sanitation in and around the home.
All eatables should be protected from flies. Raw
vegetables and fruits should be washed properly.

81. Antiflymeasure should be taken.
Public should be educated about sanitation
and personal hygiene.
All acute cases should be detected, notified
and isolated at the earliest.
For Prevention people should be immunised
with TAB vaccine which contains S. Typhi, S.
ParatyphiA & S. ParatyphiB. (2 doses each
of 0.5 ml)

82. Treatment:
Give complete bed rest.
Chloramphenicol500 mg 4
times a day is the drug of choice.
Give nourishing diet to the
patient.
Disinfect all the articles used by
the patient.

83. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is an acute gastro-enteritis
caused by ingestion of food or drink
contaminated either with bacteria, their toxins,
inorganic substances or poisons derived from
plants and animals.
Food poisoning can be classified as:
i.Non-Bacterial food poisoning
ii.Bacterial food poisoning

84. Causative agent:
i.Non –Bacterial food Poisoning: Caused
by chemicals (arsenic, cyanide, copper,
sulphates and fluorides), fertilisers,
pesticides or plants and sea foods.
ii.Bacterial food poisoning: It is caused by
food contaminated with bacteria or their
toxins. The bacteria which can produce food
poisoning are: Staphylococcus (common)
Clostridium botulinum
Clostridium Perfringes
Salmonella

85. Mode of Transmission:
Ingestion of food or water contaminated with
bacteria or their toxins or chemicals.
Incubation period:
Salmonella:12-24 hours
Staphylococcal: 2-4 hours
Botulism: 12-20 hours

86. Sign and symptoms
Nausea, vomiting
Headache
Sweating
Diarrhoea
Pain in the abdomen
Severe dehydration
Dryness of mouth

87. Prevention and control
Food prepared from animals and meat should
be inspected.
Personal hygiene and food sanitation should
be ensured by food handlers.
Stored food should be protected from
cockroaches, flies, rats, dust etc.
Protection and covering of food during
processing and storage.
Refrigeration for overnight storage of food.

88. Food should be freshly prepared and eaten at
same time.
If suspicion that the food is developed bacterial
growth, it must be discarded.
Treatment:
Fluid and electrolytes in dehydration
ORS can be given to restore the body
fluids.
Antitoxin must be given in case of Botulism.

89. Hookworm Infestations
Hookworm infestation/infection is a
intestinal infection caused by two types
of hookworms i.e. Ancylostoma
duodenaleand Necatoramericanus.
The anterior end of these worms is bent
dorsally so it is known as hookworm

90. Causative agent:
Ancylostomaduodenaleand
Necatoramericanus.

91. Mode of Transmission:
Hookworm infection occurs through
pollution of soil with faecal matter.
The worm enters through the skin
of legs. After penetration it enters
into the lymphatic system. Then
later it enters into the lung through
small blood vesel. From there it
enters into the alimentary tract
through trachea and throat.

92. Sign and symptoms
Iron deficiency anemia
Joints pain
Abdominal pain
Oedema
Generalized weakness
Loss of appetite

93. Prevention and control
Defecation in the open should be discouraged.
Night soil should be properly disposed in rural
and slum areas.
Sanitary latrines use should be promoted in
rural and slum areas.
While working in fields wear shoes and gloves
for prevention
Habit of walking bare foot should be avoided

94. Source of water supply should be
protected from contamination of
excreta.
Public should be educated for proper
use of sanitary latrines as well as
personal hygiene.
Treatment:Albendazole, mebendazole
can be given. And for anemiairon and
folic acid can be given.

95. Amoebiasis
Also known as amoebic dysentery
It is an infection caused by
Entamoebagenusinfected by the
parasite Entamoebahistolytica.
It is more common in tropical areas with
poor sanitary conditions.

96. Causative agent:
Entamoebahistolytica, EntamoebaColi
Mode of Transmission:
Usually transmitted by fecal-oral route
Indirectly transmitted through contact
with contaminated hands or objects,
food, water, etc.
Ingestion of the cysts form of the
parasite

97. Sign and symptoms
Lethargy,
Loos of weight,
Colonic ulcerations,
Abdominal pain,
Diarrhoea (Blood)
Complications:Peritonitis, colitis,
dehydration, anemia

98. Prevention and control
Prevent the spread of amoebiasis:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 seconds
after using the toilet and before handling food.
Clean bathrooms and toilets often.
Avoid sharing towels or face washers.
Prevent infection:
Avoid raw vegetables when in endemic areas
Boil water and avoid eating street foods.
Treatment of amoebiasis:
Amoebicidaltissue active agent, Luminal Cysticidalagents

99. Acute Diarrhoeal Diseases
It is a sudden onset of frequent loose or
watery stools, often accompanied by
vomiting and fever.
Usually mild with spontaneous recovery

100. Causative agent:
Bacteria: Salmonella, Vibrio parahemolticus
Virus:Norovirus, Rotavirus, Sapovirusand Astrovirus
Mode of Transmission:
Transmitted by fecal-oral route
Contaminated hands or ingestion of
contaminated food, water, etc.
Ingestion of the cysts form of the
parasite

101. Sign and symptoms
Frequent loose watery stools,
Abdominal cramps,
Abdominal pain,
Fever,
Bleeding,
Headache,
Complications:Dehydration

102. Prevention and control
Hand washing with soap and water.
Access to safe drinking water
Use of improved sanitation
Good personal and food hygiene
Health education about spread of infections
Rotavirus vaccination
Treatment of amoebiasis:
Plenty of ORS/Fluid
Anti-diarrhoeal drugs like loperamide
Antibiotics

103. ARTHROPOD BORNE
DISEASES

104. Malaria
It is the most important parasitic
disease in the world.
It is communicable disease caused by a
parasitic protozoa plasmodium species.
It is seen more commonly in rural areas
than in urban areas due to insanitary
condition in rural areas.

105. Causative agent
1)Plasmodium vivax: 48 hours cycle
2)Plasmodium falciparum: 48 hours
cycle
3)Plasmodium Malariae: 72 hours cycle
4)Plasmodium Ovale: 48 hours cycle

106. Mode of transmission
Malariaistransmittedbythebiteofan
infectedfemaleanophelesmosquito.
Duringherlifetimesinglemosquitomay
infectseveralpersons.(VECTOR
TRANSMISSION)
Malariaparasitemayalsobe
transmittedthroughinfectedneedles
andsyringesandbybloodtransfusion.

107. Incubation Period: 12-14 days
Sign and symptoms:
Cold stage: 15 min to 2 hour
Hot stage: 2 to 6 hour
Sweating stage: 2-4 hours
Anaemia may develops
Liver and spleen may enlarged.

108. Prevention and control
Do no allow to collect water around the house
and the locality.
Do not allow to collect the refuse in the dust
bins. They should be cleaned regularly and
disposed in a sanitary manner.
Do not throw the broken earthen pots and
other discarded containers/tins/tyres etc on
roof top because water may collect there
which will act as breeding place for
mosquitoes.

109. Alldrains should be regularly cleaned &
Spread DDT or BHC.
Kerosene oil or any other larvaecidal can be
spread over stagnant water.
While sleeping in open mosquitoes net
should be used.
Mosquito repellantsshould be used.
Mosquito-proof clothes should be used to
prevent bite of mosquitoes.
Health Education

110. Treatment:
Chloroquine600 mg then followed
by 300 mg in hours then
150 mg twice daily for 3-7 days.

111. FILARIASIS
It is a communicable disease which
is transmitted through mosquito
bites affecting mainly lymphatic
system.

112. Causative agent
1)Wuchereriabancrofti
2)Brugiamalayi
3)Brugiatimori

113. Mode of transmission
Itisspreadthroughbitesofinfective
femaleculexmosquito.Theculex
mosquitosucksthebloodofaninfected
personduringthenightandtransmits
thedisease.
MonsoniamosquitoestransferB.Malayi
andB.Timori.
Itpassesthroughtheskinandreaches
thelymphaticsystem.

114. Incubation Period: 6-18 Months
Sign and symptoms:
Fever
Lymphangitis
Lymph adenitis
Elephantiasis of genitals, legs and
arms etc.

115. Prevention and control
Same measures as like malaria
control.
Treatment: Diethylcarbamazine
is the drug of choice.

116. DENGUE
Dengueisaviraldisease
transmittedtohumansthroughthe
biteofinfectedmosquitoes.
Alsoknownasbreakbonefever

117. Causative agent
1)Dengue virus (DENV) i.e. DENV-1,
DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4

118. Mode of transmission
Theprimaryvectorsthattransmitthe
diseaseareAedesaegyptimosquitoes
and,toalesserextent,Aedes
albopictus.

119. Incubation Period:
Sign and symptoms:
Dengue should be suspected when a high fever
(40°C/104°F) is accompanied by 2 of the following
symptoms during the febrile phase (2-7 days):
severe headache
pain behind the eyes
muscle and joint pains
nausea
vomiting
swollen glands
rash.

120. Prevention and control
Prevention of mosquito breeding:
Preventing mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying
habitats by environmental management and
modification;
Disposing of solid waste properly and removing
artificial man-made habitats that can hold water;
Covering, emptying and cleaning of domestic
water storage containers on a weekly basis;
Applying appropriate insecticides to water storage
outdoor containers;

121. Prevention and control
Personalprotectionfrommosquitobites:
Usingofpersonalhouseholdprotectionmeasures,suchas
windowscreens,repellents,coilsandvaporizers.These
measuresmustbeobservedduringthedaybothinsideand
outsideofthehome(e.g.:atwork/school)becausethe
primarymosquitovectorsbitesthroughouttheday;
Wearingclothingthatminimisesskinexposureto
mosquitoesisadvised;
Communityengagement:
Educatingthecommunityontherisksofmosquito-borne
diseases;
Engagingwiththecommunitytoimproveparticipationand
mobilizationforsustainedvectorcontrol;

122. Prevention and control
Treatment:
Nospecifictreatment.
Supportivecaresuchasfeverreducers
andpainkillerscanbetakentocontrolthe
symptomsofmuscleachesandpains,and
fever.(NSAIDs)

123. CHIKUNGUNYA
Itisaviraldiseasespreadto
peoplebythebiteofaninfected
mosquitomainlyAedesaegyptiand
Aedesalbopictus.

124. Causative agent
1)Chikungunya virus belonging to family
Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus.

125. Mode of transmission
Chikungunya virusisprimarily
transmittedtopeoplethroughthebiteof
aninfectedmosquito,mainlyAedes
aegyptiandAedesalbopictus.
Blood-borne transmission of
chikungunyavirusispossible.

126. SIGN AND SYMPTOMS:
Fever
Joint pain.
Other symptoms may include headache,
muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
Death from chikungunya is rare.
Most patients feel better within a week.
However, joint pain can be severe and disabling
and may persist for months.

127. Prevention and control
Prevention of mosquito breeding:
Preventing mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying
habitats by environmental management and
modification;
Disposing of solid waste properly and removing
artificial man-made habitats that can hold water;
Covering, emptying and cleaning of domestic
water storage containers on a weekly basis;
Applying appropriate insecticides to water storage
outdoor containers;

128. Prevention and control
Personalprotectionfrommosquitobites:
Usingofpersonalhouseholdprotectionmeasures,suchas
windowscreens,repellents,coilsandvaporizers.These
measuresmustbeobservedduringthedaybothinsideand
outsideofthehome(e.g.:atwork/school)becausethe
primarymosquitovectorsbitesthroughouttheday;
Wearingclothingthatminimisesskinexposureto
mosquitoesisadvised;
Communityengagement:
Educatingthecommunityontherisksofmosquito-borne
diseases;
Engagingwiththecommunitytoimproveparticipationand
mobilizationforsustainedvectorcontrol;

129. Prevention and control
Treatment:
Get plenty of rest.
Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
Symptomatic Management: Take medicine such
as paracetamol to reduce fever and pain.

130. SURFACE INFECTIONS

131. Trachoma
It is a chronic communicable disease of
the conjunctiva and the cornea and
causes blindness.
The children of both gender are affected
more from this disease specially living in
unhygienic conditions and overcrowded
places.

132. Causative agent
1)Chlamydia trachomitis

133. Mode of transmission
Itmaytransferfromonepersonto
anotherbydirectorindirectcontact,
handling of towels,clothes,
handkerchiefs,surmaandkajaletc
usedbyinfectedperson.
Swimmingpoolswherewatergets
contaminated.
Fliesactasmechanicalcarrier.

134. Incubation Period: 5-12 days
Sign and symptoms:
Inflammation of conjunctiva
Inflammation of cornea
Epithelial keratitis
Pannusformation

135. Prevention and control
Early diagnosis and treatment of the cases should be
done.
Attempts should be made to remove illiteracy,
ignorance, poverty and overcrowding.
Health education should be given to parents, children
and students regarding the spread, prevention and
control of trachoma.
Common use of eye preparations, towel,
handkerchief etc should be avoided.
Defecation in the open should be discouraged.
Antiflymeasures should be taken.

136. TETANUS
Tetanus is an acute disease caused
by the exotoxinof Clostridium
tetani.
Neonatal tetanus is a major cause
of infant mortality in India.

137. Causative agent
1)Clostridium tetani(exotoxin
produced by C. Tetani)

138. Mode of transmission
Tetanussporesenterthrough
contaminatedwounds,injuryor
abrasions.
Injuriescausedbyironarticlesarethe
majorcausesoftetanus.
Theothercausesoftetanusincludepin
prick,abrasion,wound,burns,human
bite,animalbite,stings,useofunsterile
injectableneedlesandsyringes.

139. Incubation Period: 3-21 days
Sign and symptoms:
Irritability, restlessness, fever
Spasm of Neck muscle
(Opisthotonus)
Spasms of muscles of the jaw (Lock
jaw)
Spasm of facial muscles (Risus
sardonicus)

140. Prevention and control
Prevented by active immunisation with
Tetanus Toxoid(TT).
Infants and children are best immunised by
giving DPT vaccine. 3 doses of 0.5 ml each
dose.
Pregnant women should be given tetanus
toxoiddoses as a routine to prevent neonatal
tetanus.
Complete sterility precautions should be
taken during child birth.

141. All wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and
long acting penicillin should be administered.
The patient should be given muscle relaxants
and sedatives.
The patient with wound can be given anti
tetanus serum (ATS) and human tetanus
immunoglobulin.

142. Leprosy
It is also known as Hansen’s Disease.
Leprosy is a chronic, communicable
infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium
leprae.
It affects mainly the peripheral nerves.
It also affects skin, muscles, eyes, bones and
internal organs.

143. Causative agent
1)Mycobacterium leprae

144. Mode of transmission
Prolongedskincontactwithinfected
personeitherdirectlyorindirectly
throughfomites
Dropletinfectionwhenthebacilliescape
fromcutaneouslesion,nasaland
sputumsecretion.
Totheinfantstothemother’smilk.

145. Incubation Period: 6 months -8 years
Sign and symptoms:
Appearance of small patches on skin
Skin of the face become thick and
wrinkled
Partial or total loss of cutaneous
sensation in the affected area.
Presence of lepraein skin or nasal
Deformities of hand and feet

146. Prevention and control
Cases of leprosy should be notified.
Patient should be isolated.
Detection of cases of leprosy and separate
the contacts especially children.
Infants should be separated at birth from
lepromatouspatient.
Patient’s clothes and discharges should be
disinfected.
People should be given health education.

147. Chemoprophylaxis with dapsone.
Treatment:Multi drug therapy with
Dapsone, rifampicinand clofazimine.

148. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED
DISEASES (STD)

149. SYPHILIS
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted
disease caused by Treponema
pallidum.
Syphilis are of 2 types:Acquired
Congenital

150. Causative agent
1)Treponemapallidum

151. Mode of transmission
Acquiredsyphilisisspreadthrough
sexualintercourse.
Congenitalsyphilisistransmittedfrom
theinfectedmothertothechildthrough
placenta.
Syphilismayalsospreadthrough
infectedtowels&kissing.

152. Incubation Period: 10 days to 10 weeks
Sign and symptoms:
1.Early syphilis: Chancre which hard and
painless in the penis or vulva.
2.Secondary syphilis: Enlargement of
glands, headache, sore throat, low fever
3.Tertiary syphilis: It will appear after 5
years of infection. In this stage it can
affect bone, skin, tongue, testes, liver,
heart etc.

153. Prevention and control
Early detection of syphilis cases and tracing
the contact.
By limiting the sexual partners.
By using condom during sexual intercourse.
Prostitutes should be examined medically for
STDs from time to time.
Health education about STDs and its
problem.
Treatment: Procaine penicillin 6,00,000
units IM as a single dose.

154. GONORRHOEA
Gonorrhoea is an acute infectious
veneraldisease caused by Neisseria
gonococcus.
It affects mainly mucous membrane of
urethra, ano-rectal mucosa and
conjunctiva.
It occurs in 2 stages: Acute stage
Chronic stage

155. Causative agent
1)NeisseriaGonococcus
(gram negative diplococcus)

156. Mode of transmission
Itistransmittedthroughsexual
intercoursewithaninfectedpartner.
Incertaincasesitmayalsospread
throughinfectedtowels,clothesetc.

157. Incubation Period: 3-10 days
Sign and symptoms:
1.Acute stage:
Inflammation of urethra in males
Inflammation on the cervix and vagina of
the females
Burning sensation with pain while passing
the urine.
2.Chronic stage:
Inflammation of big joints like shoulder joint,
knee joint, wrist and ankle.

158. Prevention and control
Early detection of gonorrhoea cases and
tracing the contact.
By limiting the sexual partners.
By using condom during sexual intercourse.
Prostitutes should be examined medically for
STDs from time to time.
Health education about STDs and its
problem.
Treatment: Procaine penicillin 6,00,000
units IM for 10 days.

159. AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome)
It is also known as slim disease.
It is a sexually transmitted diseases
caused by retrovirus known as Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
HIV attacks the WBC which makes our
immune system weaken. So person
suffering from AIDS become easy target
for other infections/diseaes.

160. Causative agent
1)Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(Retrovirus)

161. Mode of transmission
Sexualcontacti.e.Vaginal,oraloranal
sex.
Throughtransfusionofbloodinfected
withHIVvirus.
Throughcontaminatedneedlesand
syringes
Infectedmothertothefoetusthrough
placenta.

162. Incubation Period: 10 years
Sign and symptoms:
Weight loss
Fever or night sweating for longer
than one month
Chronic diarrhoea more than one
month
Swelling in the groins
Persistent cough

163. Prevention and control
Have only one uninfected sexual partner
and do not indulge in multiple sexual
partner.
Avoid going to prostitutes for sexual
intercourse.
Use condom during sexual intercourse.
Properly sterilise the needles and
syringes.
Women who are suffering from AIDS
should avoid pregnancy.

164. Blood and blood products should by
thoroughly investigated for the absence
of HIV infection.
Hair cutting saloons should ensure that
barber’s razor is properly cleaned.
Health education regarding the STDs.