Contagious Diseases

Different Diseases

1. Kwashiorkor VITAMIN A Deficiency VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY Sore Eyes Chronic Bronchitis Common Cold Cont gious Dise ses A Chicken Pox Cholera Whooping Cough Measles Pneumonia Dengue Fever Typhoid Fever

2. 1. MAN. Man spreads a contagious disease directly or indirectly. He is a carrier even if he has not been sick with the disease, but carries the germs with him . How can man spread contagious disease directly? It is through talking, sleeping or holding hands with the sick person. Man can spread a contagious disease indirectly through handling the things used or touched by an infected person . How can we prevent the spread of germs? It is necessary that persons who are sick should stay away from others. Avoid touching the things that they have handled and immediately disinfect these through boiling, drying, burning or the use of chemicals . A person who has phlegm should not spit anywhere. He should only spit in cuspidors which should be covered when not in use. Carriers of Contagious Diseases There are three agent-carriers of disease germs according to Menez (1970) and these are:

3. 2. WATER. Drinking water is another carrier of a disease. We also get the disease by using the glass and utensils of a sick person . 3. FOOD. Food is also a carrier of disease, so let us avoid eating unsanitary food. Left-over food should always be covered so that flies, rats and cockroaches will not step on them. Carriers of Contagious Diseases There are three agent-carriers of disease germs according to Menez (1970) and these are:

4. The Common Deficiency Diseases INADEQUATE NUTRIENTS IN THE BODY. As the children grow up, it has not been noted that the quantity of balanced food they eat goes down . Hereunder are the common deficiency diseases : 1. KWASHIORKOR . It is a global problem in malnutrition. It is brought by calorie deficiency. This is related to the failure of breast feeding and is common among infants.

5. One of the effects of this deficiency is night blindness. Another is teomalacia . A person suffering from this deficiency has difficulty in climbing stairs and in walking. There is a pain of the rheumatic type on bones and legs and the lower part of the back. VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY.

6. If there is inadequate intake of Vitamin B, a person will suffer from beri-beri . This is considered as severe deficiency. Gastrointestinal disturbances resulting from impartment of the motor processes through the intestinal tract is one of the symptoms. There is macular weakness, paralysis of the lower limb caused by a multiple neurotic condition may occur. This can be treated and the patient will make the greatest improvement if there is more intakes of B complex rather than thiamine alone. VITAMIN B DEFICIENCY.

7. If the tissue has been saturated with ascorbic acid, several months of dietary deprivation may occur before symptoms of deficiency may be manifested. A person who suffers from this deficiency has poor wound healing; irritably to infection is among the signs of deficiency.   VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY A person who lacks Vitamin C will suffer from scurvy . Pain and swelling of the thighs and legs are present. The baby is pale and irritable, cries when handled. Loss of weight, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting are present. If the teeth are erupted, the gums are likely to be swollen.

8. C ommon Communicable Diseases DISEASE. The abnormal state or functioning of all or part of the organism. It is also an alteration of the dynamic interaction between an individual and his environment. On the other hand, a communicable disease is a disease that can be transferred from the source to another person. Some signs of diseases are abnormal changes in temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate. Symptoms are pain and restlessness, though these may not be the same for all persons.

9. SORE EYES (Conjunctivitis, Pink Eyes and Red Eyes. In conjunctivitis, the surface of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids become inflamed from exposure to dust and germs. It is more commonly known as pink eyes or sore eyes due to the redness, swelling and yellow pus that come with it. In a new born baby, sticky eyes or a yellow discharge from the eyes may not be due to sore eyes, but to a sexually transmitted disease. The following are the different communicable diseases: There are several symptoms of sore eyes such as: The eyes are very itchy, Redness in one or both eyes, Tearing (watery eyes), Mild pain 5. Uncomfortable gritty sensation, 6. Uneasy in bright lights, 7. Yellow discharge (pus) from the eyes in the presence of bacterial infection, and 8. Encrusted eyelids upon walking in the morning.

10. Conjunctivitis Pink Eyes Red Eyes

11. CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. (CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASES, SMOKER’S COUGH, EMPHYSEMA, BRONCHITIS.) This is a common sickness among the children and weak adults. It is most often a result of a common cold. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils of children may lead to repeated attacks of bronchitis. Bronchitis is caused by cigarette smoking and air pollution. The symptoms are the following: Shortness of breath Tiredness, Due to lack of oxygen, the person could have bluish lips and complexion, Swollen ankles and legs, and Persistent cough with thick phlegm throughout the day and night.

12. Cigarette Experiment Test

13. COMMON COLD (BLOCKED NOSE, RUNNY NOSE). The common cold is a viral infection of the upper air passages, which causes the inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose and throat. A cold is easily spread via coughing or sneezing and by direct contact. Other ways of catching colds are staying in very warm or cold rooms, lack of outdoor exercise, poor diet including overeating sugary and fatty foods, and having diseased tonsils and adenoids. A person is susceptible to cold because of his low resistance, which allows the viruses to enter his body. Allergic disorders of nose and throat also make a person more susceptible to colds and other viral infections. The symptoms are: Malaise Congestion of the nasal passages, 3. Sneezing and severe throbbing headache, Cough Sore Throat, hoarseness Congested or runny nose Watery eyes Body aches Mild Fever, and Chills

14. Take note of the following: Bed rest is still the best treatment for any severe cold. A hot bath may help to relieve much of the congestion in the chest and nasal membrane. Inhale steam to loosen nasal congestion and ease expulsion of mucus. Blow your nose frequently, blocking only one nostril at a time to keep the nasal secretions from being forced into the sinuses and the middle ear and infecting the. Immediately throw used paper tissues to avoid spreading the virus. Take medicine and drink plenty of fluids, particularly hot fluids. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. To avoid the disease, eat a balanced diet and have regular exercise to keep healthy. Avoid staying in overcrowded places.

15. CHICKENPOX (HERPES ZOSTER, SHINGLES). These are mild, highly contagious diseases, which affect young ones during their early years, but are more severe in adults. Infection is easily spread via airborne droplets that are exhaled or expelled (e.g. when coughing or sneezing), causing outbreaks in places where there are close person-to-person contacts. The following symptoms are: Begin with a low-grade fever, Sever itch, Mild headache Feeling of weakness Runny nose Small teardrop shaped blisters appear on the skin, mostly on the upper back or chest, and In more severe cases, the face and extremities are also involved.

16. What should be done: Take a complete rest until all blisters have dried up. Do not burst the blisters, scratch, or peel off the scabs to avoid spreading the viral infection, as well as to prevent secondary bacterial infection and scarring. Trim a child’s fingernails or put mittens on his hands to keep him from scratching. Bathe the skin daily with soap and warm water. Calamine lotion and talcum powder are helpful in controlling itching. Take medicine for the fever; this will also take care of the aches. Consult a doctor if your child has the symptoms and has not had the disease.

17. “EL TOR” OR CHOLERA. This is another contagious and serious disease which is an infection of the small intestine, characterized by severe diarrhea that causes a person to lose up to half a liter of water an hour. It is caused by germs taken into the body through food and drink. It is spread by improper ways of doing away with human waste. When waste is thrown on the ground, brook or river, or used as fertilizers, it infects wells, ponds and streams. People who get their drinking water from these sources, may have the disease. Rats, cockroaches, flies and ants are also carriers of “El Tor” or cholera. They may have fed from the stool thrown, so when they crawl or step on the food, they leave germs on it.

18. Symptoms: Pain in the back or in the legs and arms. Frequent bowel movement. The stool appears thin and whitish like rice water. Vomiting and dehydration (severe thirst, dry lips and tongue, little or no urine passed.) What can you do: Immediately go to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital if you have symptoms of cholera. Delay in seeking treatment can lead to severe dehydration. What you should bear in mind: 1. Cover food and store it safely away from cockroaches, flies and rats, all of which can spread the disease. 2. Don’t go to places, which are dirty, ( e.g eateries with poor hygiene standards) and areas with poor sanitation. 3. Wash your hands thoroughyl with soap and water after using toilet. 4. Avoid areas where cholera is always present. 5. Have yoursef immunized against cholera when traveling to an endemic area.

19. WHOOPING COUGH (PERTUSSIS). Is a serious and contagious bacterial infection of the bronchial tubes, larynx and lungs. It is transmitted by direct contact with the affected person or by indirect contact, such as breathing in air containing infected droplets. The attack of whooping cough may last as long as six weeks. It is a distressing disease to both parents and children, and may result in damage to lungs and bronchial tubes, particularly in youngsters. The younger the child, the more serious the disease.

20. Early symptoms are: Fever Runny nose Dry cough with sputum Late Stages of Pertussis: There are severe, continual bouts of coughing lasting up to a minute with a “whooping” sound at the end of each cough as the child grasps for breath. The child’s face may turn red from effort or blue from lack of oxygen while coughing. Fever How to prevent whooping cough: Stay away from persons who have whooping cough, especially if your resistance to infection is low. Immunize against whooping cough.

21. What you should do: Isolate the child from the rest of the family and community. Use a cool-mist humidifier or steam inhalation to soothe the cough and help loosen bronchial and lungs secretions. Keep the child in bed until the fever subsides; resuming normal activity slowly when the child is up and become stronger. Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids such as fruit juice, carbonated drinks and soups.

22. MEASLES. It is a highly contagious viral infection that usually occurs in the epidermis. It is marked by fever and a rash similar to that rubella (German measles). But unlike rubella, which is usually mild, measles can be dangerous and even life-threatening. The disease is common in childhood, although it can occur at any age. A person who has been infected with measles becomes immune in life.

23. Symptoms: Chills and high fever, which do not subside when the rush appears. Hacking cough Runny nose Cough, sore throat Red, swollen eyes, tearing General feeling of weakness and lassitude A red rash (spots which sometime merge into blotches) that appear about 4 days after the fever starts. Abdominal pain Diarrhea, vomiting Causes: Infection by measles virus, spreads via airborne droplets expelled when coughing or sneezing. Prevention Tips: Immunization of children 9-24 months of age against measles in the form of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.

24. What you should do: Keep the patient in the bed up to one week after the rash has disappeared to avoid spreading the disease, in a cool room to protect his eyes from bright sunlight. Keep him away from pregnant women. Drink plenty of fluids. Take antifever medicine. If the fever is high, sponge with lukewarm water (especially for children). Leave the moisture on the body to dry to have a cooling effect. Keep sponging until the fever goes down. Give him appropriate cough syrup. Fro productive cough (cough that brings up phlegm), take an expectorant. For dry cough, take a cough suppressant. Apply calamine lotion several times a day if the skin is very itchy and keep the skin clean by frequent bathing. Consult a doctor if there is a breathing difficulty, persistent fever or cough, drowsiness, earache, or convulsions.

25. PNEUMONIA. This is a respiratory disease caused by a certain kind of bacteria. It is the inflammation of the lungs. The disease is more common in childhood and old age, and in those with impaired immune systems 9e.g., diabetics AIDS victims, alcoholics). Pneumonia can be life-threatening.

26. Symptoms: Chills and severe pain in the chest High fever, sweating, chils Breathing becomes difficult and fast Tiredness, weakness Cough, phlegm, (blood-stained, green or yellow), in some cases Dizziness and vomiting Sweats plentifully and sinks into a deep sleep Headache, body aches, tiredness Blue-lips, in severe cases Causes: Lung infection by bacteria, viruses, or others organisms (fungi, mycoplasma, protozoa).

27. What should you do : Careful treatment of colds, coughs and chilling. Take appropriate antifever and cough medicines. Avoid staying out in the cold or in a damp place without enough protection. Do steam inhalations to loosen a congested nose and make the expulsion of mucus easier. Consult a doctor immediately. Prevention Tips : Immunization with pneumococcal vaccine.

28. TUBERCULOSIS (TB). Better known as TB, is a highly contagious bacterial infection usually affecting the lungs. This is a disease which is the most common of death in the Philippines. Today, with new discoveries in medicine, TB in its early stages can be cured. As in other diseases, however, prevention is better than cure. A less common type of TB, which comes from contaminated cow’s milk, attacks the lymphatic system. Other organs, or bones. TB attacks those whose body resistance is weak.

29. Symptoms: Fever Sweating, especially at night Malaise Tiredness, weakness Poor appetite TB of the Lungs: Chronic cough Blood in the sputum Chest pain Shortness of breath Swelling in the neck due to enlarged lymph modes

30. TB of the Intestines: Abdominal pain due to chronic indigestion Chronic diarrhea Weight loss Causes: Infection with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis or, rarely, Mycobacterium bovis , which comes from infected cows. Prevention: 1. Immunization at birth with BCG vaccine. A booster dose may be given to children 12 or a6 years of age. 2. Immunization of adults who live in close contact with one who is an active case of TB.

31. What you should do: Eat a balance diet, get plenty of fresh air and sunshine and have sufficient rest. Do not drink alcohol. Stop smoking. Inform members of your family and people with whom you are in close contact of the infection and convince them to see a doctor as well. Take the prescribed course of medication without fail. If you interrupt or stop medication too early, you may develop drug resistant tuberculosis. Consult a doctor if you think you have tuberculosis.

32. DENGUE FEVER (DENGUE HOMMORHAGIC FEVER) Is also known as ‘H-Fever” is an acute viral infection. It is transmitted to humans by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. It breeds in places where there is stagnant water. One of the symptoms is extreme muscle pain. Although no specific treatment or vaccine is yet available for dengue fever, it is not life-threatening. However, dengue hemorrhagic fever, a severe form of the disease that affects children and ypung people causes heavy bleeding and can be fatal.

33. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

34. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that first attacks the intestines, and then spreads to the liver, spleen and gall bladder. The disease is highly infectious, transmitted through contaminated food and water. Even after a person has recovered from typhoid fever, he may remain a carrier of the bacteria for years. Typhoid fever can be fatal if not treated promptly. TYPHOID FEVER Symptoms: First week: Severe headache, cough, high fever, weakness Loss of appetite, malaise, tiredness, weakness Constipation , abdominal pain Second to Third week: High fever Diarrhea Extreme weakness Weight loss Painful, swollen and tender abdomen Raised pink spots on the abdomen and chest, as fever subsides

35. Causes: Infection with Salmonella typhi bacteria. The disease spreads quickly in places or areas with improper sanitation, or unhygienic practices, sometimes causing an epidemic. Prevention Tips: Avoid unhygienic places and areas with poor sanitation. Avoid area where typhoid fever is endemic (always present). Take the following precautions in such areas: Boil your drinking water or stick to bottled drinks. Do not eat ready-cut fruit, only freshly cut ones. Eat only freshly cooked food. Stay away from raw salads, ice cream, and ice cubes. Cover food and store safely away from cockroaches, flies and rats. Immunization is recommended only for those who may be exposed due to occupation (e.g. microbiologist medical technologist), traveler to endemic areas or household members of known “carriers” or person without signs and symptoms but who are sources of the disease. Thoroughly wash your hands soap and clean water after using the toilet, and before preparing food or eating, especially if you have the disease or observe its symptoms.

36. This is a contagious disease that occurs most frequently in children and young people between the ages of five and fifteen years. Most people have mumps once in their lives. This disease is caused by a virus which attacks the salivary glands of the mouth, particularly in the parotid glands located on each side of the face below and front of the ear. After a young person is exposed to a case of mumps, it takes two weeks before he is cured of the disease. MUMPS

37. Symptoms: Pain in chewing and swallowing. Painful in swelling develop at the sides of the face and below the ears. Glands under the skin may also become enlarged and swollen, and there maybe a slight fever. What should you do: Keep the patient in the bed for several days until the temperature returns to normal. Local application of heat or an ice bag over the affected area will help to relieve some of the discomfort. Use a good cleansing mouthwash to keep the membrane clean. Be sure the patient has plenty of fluids and preferably a soft diet. Consult a doctor.

38. A I DS AIDS is an acronym for “ AQUIRED IMMUNE DEFFIENCY SYNDROME”. It is caused by the Human T- Lymphotropic Virus III or the HTLV-III virus. It is a commonly called HIV or IMMUNODIFFIENCY VIRUS.

39. Symptoms: HIV infection (early stages): No infection. HIV has an incubation period of 5-10 years, a condition that normally lasts for many years. However, HIV infection is a condition which is incurable. An HIV is highly infectious even without symptoms. HIV infection (middle stage): Symptoms resembling those glandular fever (high fever, swollen lymph nodes). Recurring flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, and loss of appetite, body aches, tiredness and weakness). Recurring month or skin infections, symptoms of common infections (due to a decreased resistance level). Sweats. Significant weight loss.

40. Full-blown AIDS (final stage) Chronic diarrhea. Lung infections (e.g., pneumonia, pulmonary or disseminated tuberculosis), marked by breathing difficulty, chest pain, and cough. Kaposi’s sarcoma, a skin cancer marked by pink/purple raised skin patches or nodules. Brain infection or cancer, marked by disorientation, fever, headaches, nausea, and blurred vision. Skin infection, usually around the anus, genitals, and mouth. Causes HIV infection, which’ damages the body’s immune system (defense against infection). The virus progressively destroys T-cells (white blood cells that are vital to the body’s defense. HIV can be transmitted during anal, oral, or vaginal sexual contact; when receiving infected blood transfusion; when sharing hypodermic needles (e.g., drug users); and during pregnancy and childbirth.

41. Note HIV infection of AIDS is not transmitted by: Casual physical contact (e.g. kissing, touching) Airborne droplets expelled when coughing or sneezing Donating blood, as the equipment used is disposable Mosquito or other insect bites Sharing food or utensils Public toilets Swimming pools What you can do: Consult a doctor if you suspect HIV infection. Obtain personal counseling services. See HELPLINES. Avoid sex, particularly unprotected sex. Use condoms, as these provide the possible (but not total) protection against infection (but not 100%).

42. MANILA, Philippines—Four hundred eighty-six new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which could lead to the fatal Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), were reported in February, a 43-percent increase from figures seen in the same period in 2013, the Department of Health said. Out of 486 cases, 36 were already full-blown AIDS, it added. The number of new cases brings to 934 the total reported HIV cases from January to February 2014, and to 17,450 from 1984 to 2014. Data from the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry showed that the bulk of the new HIV cases were from the National Capital Region, Calabarzon , Central Luzon, Central Visayas and Davao. Ninety-six percent of the cases were males, of which 62 percent belonged to the 20-29 years old age group. Of the 486 HIV positive cases, 458 were contracted through unprotected sex, with men having sex with other men as the predominant type of sexual transmission. The rest were infected through needle-sharing among injecting drug users. Ninety-three percent of the cases were still asymptomatic at the time of reporting, the DOH noted. Sixteen, all males, died of AIDS from January to February 2014. The highest number of deaths occurred in the 25-29 age group, followed by the 20-24 and the 30-34 age groups, the DOH said. For the month of February 2014 alone, eight deaths were reported, it added. As of February, there have been 5,965 people living with HIV who were reported to have been undergoing anti-retroviral therapy, the DOH said.

43. Based on a study conducted by the Department of Health (DOH), more young Filipinos have acquired the HIV. Data from the Philippine HIV/AIDS Registry showed that in January this year alone, 118 of the new HIV patients belong to the 15 to 24 age bracket. They are among the 448 fresh HIV cases reported for the first month of the year. Half of the 448 victims, or 224 patients, are from Metro Manila, while 16 percent come from the Calabarzon region, seven percent from Davao region, and four percent from Western Visayas . The rest of the regions recorded less than one to two percent of HIV cases this year. From 1984 to January 2014, 36 people below 15 years old were infected with HIV. For the same period, 429 people aged 15 to 19 acquired the virus, as well as 3,467 in the 20 to 24 age bracket. The United Nations Children’s Fund ( Unicef ) has also noticed this disturbing trend, saying new HIV infections “now occur at a younger age.” “In some areas, one in three persons most at risk are in the 15-17 age group,” Unicef said. Experts attribute the spike in HIV cases to unprotected sex. The sharp increase in HIV cases started in 2008.

44. Other Diseases

45. Influenza A ( H1 N1 ) Influenza A ( H1 N1 ) virus  is the subtype of  influenza A virus  that was the most common cause of human  influenza  (flu) in 2009. It is an Orthomyxovirus that contains the glycoproteins Haemagglutin and Neuraminidase. For this reason, they are described as H1N1, H1N2 etc. depending on the type of H or N antigens they express. Haemagglutin causes red blood cells to clump together and binds the virus to the infected cell. Neuraminidase are a type of glycoside hydrolase enzyme which help to move the virus particles through the infected cell and assist in budding from the host cells .

46. H5N1 Avian Flu ( H5N1 Bird Flu) Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a  viral infection  spread from bird to bird. Currently, a particularly deadly strain of bird flu -- H5N1 -- continues to spread among poultry in Egypt and in certain parts of Asia. Technically, H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It's deadly to most birds. And it's deadly to humans and to other mammals that catch the virus from birds. Since the first human case in 1997, H5N1 has killed nearly 60% of the people who have been infected. But unlike human flu bugs, H5N1 bird flu does not spread easily from person to person. The very few cases of human-to-human transmission have been among people with exceptionally close contact, such as a mother who caught the virus while caring for her sick infant . H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian (bird) flu virus that has caused serious outbreaks in domestic poultry in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Highly pathogenic refers to the virus’s ability to produce disease. Although H5N1 does not usually infect humans, nearly 650 cases of human cases of H5N1 have been reported from 15 countries since 2003.

47. H5N1 Avian Flu (H5N1 Bird Flu) Symptoms: Fever and cough Acute respiratory distress Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing Abdominal pain Diarrhea Complications: Pneumonia Respiratory failure Shock Altered mental state Seizures Failure of multiple organs (e.g. kidney failure) Death

48. MERS- CoronaVirus Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is viral respiratory illness first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It is caused by a coronavirus  called MERS- CoV . Most people who have been confirmed to have MERS- CoV infection developed severe acute respiratory illness. They had fever, cough, and shortness of breath. About 30% of people confirmed to have MERS- CoV infection have died. On May 2, 2014, the first U.S. imported case of MERS was confirmed in a traveler from Saudi Arabia to the U.S. On May 11, 2014, a second U.S. imported case of MERS was confirmed in a traveler also from Saudi Arabia. As of July 2014, there were 700 documented Mers-CoV cases in 20 countries, 250 of whom died. Infections were linked to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East.

49. Fast facts on MERS- CoV Here are some key points about MERS- CoV . More detail and supporting information is in the main article. MERS- CoV was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS- CoV belongs to the  coronavirus  family. All cases have been linked to countries in and neighboring the Arabian Peninsula. Cases of MERS- CoV reported in other countries were travel-related and first developed in the Middle East. It is thought mammals play a role in the transmission of the virus - bats and camels remaining a high contender. In addition to humans, strains of MERS- CoV have been identified in camels in Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and in a bat in Saudi Arabia. Doctors describe MERS- CoV as a flu-like illness with signs and symptoms of  pneumonia . Sufferers of MERS- CoV will generally develop severe acute respiratory illness. Some people have reported mild respiratory illness with others showing no symptoms. There are no specific treatments for patients who become ill with MERS- CoV infection. Out of the confirmed cases of MERS- CoV , 30% have been fatal. MERS- CoV outbreak updates As of 23 May 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been informed of a total of 635 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS- CoV infection, including 193 deaths.

50. There are currently six coronaviruses that can affect humans including: Alpha coronaviruses Human coronavirus 229E Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63, New Haven coronavirus). Beta coronaviruses Human coronavirus OC43 Human coronavirus HKU1 SARS- CoV Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS- CoV ).

51. MERS- CoV is a species in lineage C of the genus beta coronavirus, which presently includes tylonycteris bat coronavirus HKU4 and pipistrellus bat coronavirus HKU5.

52. All cases have been linked to countries in and neighboring the Arabian Peninsula including: Bahrain Gaza Iraq Iran Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Syria United Arab Emirates (UAE) The West Bank Yemen.

53. Cases of MERS- CoV reported in other countries were travel-related and first developed in the Middle East. Countries that have declared cases are: Europe France Germany Greece Italy United Kingdom. Africa Egypt Tunisia. Asia Malaysia Philippines. Americas US.

54. Signs and symptoms of MERS- CoV The most common signs and symptoms of MERS- CoV observed are: Fever  100 degrees F or higher Cough Breathing difficulties Chills Chest pain Body aches Sore throat Malaise - a general feeling of being unwell Headache Diarrhea Nausea/Vomiting Runny nose Renal (kidney) failure Pneumonia.

55. Most confirmed cases of MERS- CoV have displayed symptoms of severe acute respiratory illness, 30% of these patients have died.

56. Ebola Virus Key facts Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. EVD outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90%. EVD outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. Fruit bats of the  Pteropodidae  family are considered to be the natural host of the Ebola virus. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. No licensed specific treatment or vaccine is available for use in people or animals. Ebola first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous outbreaks, in Nzara , Sudan, and in Yambuku , Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter was in a village situated near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name.

57. Genus Ebolavirus is 1 of 3 members of the  Filoviridae  family ( filovirus ), along with genus Marburgvirus and genus Cuevavirus . Genus Ebolavirus comprises 5 distinct species: Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) Reston ebolavirus (RESTV) Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV). BDBV, EBOV, and SUDV have been associated with large EVD outbreaks in Africa, whereas RESTV and TAFV have not. The RESTV species, found in Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, can infect humans, but no illness or death in humans from this species has been reported to date Ebola Virus

58. Ebola Virus Signs and symptoms EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea , rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes. People are infectious as long as their blood and secretions contain the virus. Ebola virus was isolated from semen 61 days after onset of illness in a man who was infected in a laboratory. The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is 2 to 21 days.

59. Natural host of Ebola virus In Africa, fruit bats, particularly species of the genera  Hypsignathus monstrosus , Epomops franqueti  and  Myonycteris torquata , are considered possible natural hosts for Ebola virus. As a result, the geographic distribution of Ebolaviruses may overlap with the range of the fruit bats.

60. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a nervous system disease that attacks nerve cells called neurons in your brain and spinal cord. These neurons transmit messages from your brain and spinal cord to your voluntary muscles - the ones you can control, like in your arms and legs. At first, this causes mild muscle problems. Some people notice Trouble walking or running Trouble writing Speech problems Eventually, you lose your strength and cannot move. When muscles in your chest fail, you cannot breathe. A breathing machine can help, but most people with ALS die from  respiratory failure . The disease usually strikes between age 40 and 60. More men than women get it. No one knows what causes ALS. It can run in families, but usually it strikes at random. There is no cure. Medicines can relieve symptoms and, sometimes, prolong survival. Also called: ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease 

61. The nerves that are affected when you have ALS are the motor neurons that provide  voluntary movements   and muscle power .

62. Chikungunya Chikungunya is a viral disease (genus  Alphavirus ) which is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes – including  Aedes aegypti  and  Aedes albopictus . The name chikungunya originates from a verb in the Kimakonde language, meaning 'to become contorted'. This refers to the 'stooped' appearance of those suffering with joint pain . Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease first described during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. It is an RNA virus that belongs to the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae . The name ‘ chikungunya ’ derives from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning "to become contorted" and describes the stooped appearance of sufferers with joint pain (arthralgia).

63. Key facts Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms. The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya . Since 2004, chikungunya fever has reached epidemic proportions, with considerable morbidity and suffering. The disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In recent decades mosquito vectors of chikungunya have spread to Europe and the Americas. In 2007, disease transmission was reported for the first time in a localized outbreak in north-eastern Italy.

64. Countries having documented, endemic, or epidemic chikungunya are: Asia: Human chikungunya virus infection has been documented in Cambodia, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Réunion , Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Africa : Chikungunya occurs in Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Europe and the Americas: Aside from minor incidence rates caused by imported cases from travelers, Italy is the only European country which has had an outbreak. The Americas have not had any major outbreaks so far. Recent outbreaks Chikungunya was first identified in Tanzania in the early 1952 and has caused periodic outbreaks in Asia and Africa since the 1960s.

65. Swine flu (H1N1 and H3N2v influenza virus) Swine flu is a relatively new strain of influenza (flu) that was responsible for a flu pandemic during 2009-2010. It is sometimes known as H1N1 influenza because it is the H1N1 strain of virus. On 10 August 2010, the  World Health Organization   (WHO) declared that the swine flu pandemic was officially over. However, this does not mean that swine flu can be ignored. The swine flu virus will be one of the main viruses circulating this winter. It has therefore been included in the 2012-13 seasonal flu vaccine.

66. Swine influenza (swine flu)  is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Influenza viruses that commonly circulate in swine are called “swine influenza viruses” or “swine flu viruses.” Like human influenza viruses, there are different subtypes and strains of swine influenza viruses. The main swine influenza viruses circulating in U.S. pigs in recent years are: swine triple reassortant ( tr ) H1N1 influenza virus trH3N2 virus trH1N2 virus Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic  human infections with swine influenza viruses  have occurred. When this happens, these viruses are called “variant viruses.” They also can be denoted by adding the letter “v” to the end of the virus subtype designation. Human infections with H1N1v, H3N2v and H1N2v viruses have been detected in the United States.

67. Swine flu (H1N1 and H3N2v influenza virus) facts Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by  influenza  viruses that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and result in a barking cough, decreased appetite , nasal secretions, and listless behavior. Swine flu viruses may mutate (change) so that they are easily transmissible among humans. The 2009 swine flu outbreak was due to infection with the so-called H1N1 virus and was first observed in Mexico. Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to most influenza infections: fever (100 F or greater), cough, nasal secretions,  fatigue , and headache. Two antiviral agents, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu), have been reported to help prevent or reduce the effects of swine flu if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

68. Severe Acute R espiratory S yndrome (SARS ) Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of pneumonia. It is caused by a virus that was first identified in 2003. Infection with the SARS virus causes  acute  respiratory distress (severe breathing difficulty) and sometimes death. SARS is a dramatic example of how quickly world travel can spread a disease. It is also an example of how quickly a connected health system can respond to a new health threat. World Health Organization (WHO) physician Dr. Carlo Urbani identified SARS as a new disease in 2003. He diagnosed it in a 48-year-old businessman who had traveled from the Guangdong province of China, through Hong Kong, to Hanoi, Vietnam. The businessman and the doctor who first diagnosed SARS both died from the illness.

69. Symptoms The hallmark symptoms are: Cough Difficulty breathing Fever greater than 100.4 degrees F (38.0 degrees C) Other breathing symptoms Less common symptoms include: Cough that produces phlegm (sputum) Diarrhea Dizziness Nausea and vomiting Runny nose Sore throat The most common symptoms are: Chills and shaking Cough -- usually starts 2-3 days after other symptoms Fever Headache Muscle aches In some people, the lung symptoms get worse during the second week of illness, even after the fever has stopped.