Emerging, Re-emerging & Epidemic Prone Diseases Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is the causative organism of measles?
Measles virus (genus Morbillivirus, family Paramyxoviridae).
Describe the chain of infection for measles.
- Reservoir: Infected humans.
- Transmission: Airborne droplets from coughing/sneezing.
- Portal of Entry: Respiratory tract (nose/throat).
- Susceptible Host: Unvaccinated individuals or those without prior immunity.
What are the key symptoms of measles?
High fever, runny nose, cough, red/watery eyes, Koplik’s spots (white mouth lesions), followed by a facial rash spreading to the body.
How is measles treated?
- Supportive care (rest, hydration, acetaminophen).
- Vitamin A supplementation for children in deficient areas.
- Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia).
- Isolation to prevent spread.
What prevents measles outbreaks?
- MMR vaccine (two-dose regimen).
- Herd immunity (≥95% vaccination coverage).
- Infection control (hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette).
What pathogen causes polio?
Poliovirus (types 1, 2, 3; genus Enterovirus, family Picornaviridae).
Outline the chain of infection for polio.
- Reservoir: Humans (virus shed in feces/oral secretions).
- Transmission: Fecal-oral route (contaminated water/food).
- Portal of Entry: Mouth/nose.
- Susceptible Host: Unvaccinated individuals, especially children.
What are the clinical forms of polio?
- Subclinical: Asymptomatic but infectious.
- Non-paralytic: Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, muscle stiffness).
- Paralytic: Limb paralysis, permanent disability, or death.
How is polio managed?
- Supportive care: Pain relief, bed rest.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy for paralysis.
- Assistive devices: Braces, wheelchairs.
What strategies prevent polio transmission?
- Vaccination: OPV (oral) and IPV (inactivated).
- Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs): Mass campaigns in high-risk areas.
Which viruses cause avian influenza?
Influenza A viruses (H5N1, H7N9; highly pathogenic strains).
Describe the chain of infection for avian influenza
- Reservoir: Wild birds (e.g., waterfowl).
- Transmission: Direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments.
- Portal of Entry: Respiratory tract/mucous membranes.
- Susceptible Host: Poultry workers, unvaccinated populations.
What are the symptoms of severe avian influenza in humans?
Fever, cough, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and multi-organ dysfunction.
How is avian influenza treated?
- Antivirals: Oseltamivir or zanamivir (early use).
- Supportive care: Oxygen therapy, ICU support.
- Isolation: To limit rare human-to-human transmission.
Name three prevention strategies for avian influenza.
- Biosecurity: Restricted farm access, disinfection.
- Poultry vaccination: Targeted for high-risk strains.
- Surveillance: Early detection in birds/humans.
What causes Ebola?
Ebola virus (genus Ebolavirus, family Filoviridae; e.g., Zaire ebolavirus).
Explain the chain of infection for Ebola.
- Reservoir: Fruit bats.
- Transmission: Contact with infected animal fluids; human-to-human via bodily fluids/contaminated objects.
- Portal of Entry: Mucous membranes/broken skin.
- Susceptible Host: Close contacts, healthcare workers.
What are the severe symptoms of Ebola?
Sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage (internal/external bleeding), organ failure.
How is Ebola treated?
- Supportive care: IV fluids, electrolyte balance.
- Experimental therapies: Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., REGN-EB3).
- Isolation: Strict quarantine of cases.
What prevents Ebola outbreaks?
- Infection control: PPE use, disinfection.
- Safe burials: Avoid contact with corpses.
- Vaccines: rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine for high-risk groups.
Define “emerging disease” and give two examples.
Newly identified or rapidly spreading diseases (e.g., Zika virus, SARS-CoV-2).
rWhy do re-emerging diseases like tuberculosis resurge?
Drug resistance, breakdowns in public health systems, or reduced vaccination rates.
What makes a disease “epidemic-prone”?
High transmissibility, low population immunity, and environmental suitability (e.g., cholera in flood-prone areas).
List three global strategies to control epidemic-prone diseases.
- Strengthen surveillance and rapid response.
- Mass vaccination campaigns.
- Public education on hygiene and outbreak reporting.
