Beijing Paradise BBS Backup/PARADISE.ISO/software/BBSDOORW/MED3.ZIP/SYMPTOMS.DAT

Text File | 1996-01-30 | 162.6 KB | 4,024 lines

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Amebiasis                    (amebic dysentery)

What is amebiasis?
Amebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called
Entamoeba histolytica.

Who gets amebiasis?
Anyone can get amebiasis, but it is recognized more often in people arriving
from tropical or subtropical areas, individuals in institutions for the
developmentally disabled and homosexual males.

How is this parasite spread?

Amebiasis is contracted by swallowing the cyst stage of the parasite in
contaminated food or water.  It can also be spread by person-to-person contact.

What are the symptoms of amebiasis?

@
None
Nausea
Loose Stools
Weight Loss
Abdominal Tenderness
Occasional Fever
Liver Abscess
$

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear from a few days to a few months after exposure but
usually within two to four weeks.

For how long can an infected person carry this parasite?
Some people with amebiasis may carry the parasite for weeks to years, often
without symptoms.

Where are the parasites that cause amebiasis found?
Infected people are the only sources of the parasite.   Fecal material from
infected people may contaminate water or food which may serve as a vehicle to
infect others.

How is it diagnosed?
Examination of stools under a microscope is the most common way for a doctor
to diagnose amebiasis.   Sometimes, several stool samples must be obtained
because the number of amoeba changes from day to day.

What is the treatment for amebiasis?
Specific antibiotics such as metronidazole can be prescribed by a doctor to
treat amebiasis.

Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?
Generally, it is not necessary to exclude an infected person from work or
school.   Casual contact at work or school is unlikely to transmit the disease.
Special precautions may be needed by foodhandlers or children enrolled in
day care settings.  Consult your local health department for advice in such
instances.

What precautions should the infected person follow?
The most important precautions are careful handwashing after each toilet
visit and proper disposal of sewage.  Homosexual males should refrain from
intimate contact until effectively treated.
!
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Anthrax                      (malignant edema, woolsorters' disease)

What is anthrax?
Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can infect all warm blooded animals
including man.

Who gets anthrax?
Anthrax is primarily an occupational disease.  It is occasionally identified
in individuals who are exposed to dead animals and animal products such as
wool and hair.

How is anthrax spread?
The anthrax bacteria can live in the soil for many years.  Man may become
infected with anthrax by inhaling contaminated soil particles or by handling
wool or hair from diseased animals.  Infection of the intestinal tract can
occur by eating undercooked meat from diseased animals.

What are the symptoms of anthrax?

@
Boil-Like lesion with Black Center
Swelling of Lymph Gland under arm
Common Cold
Severe Breathing Problems
$

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The incubation period is usually within seven days.

When and for how long is a person able to spread anthrax?
There are no reports of the disease spreading from human to human.

Does past infection with anthrax make a person immune?
A second attack with this disease is unlikely.

What is the treatment for anthrax?
Penicillin is the drug of choice but tetracycline may also be prescribed.

What can be the effect of not being treated for anthrax?
The disease could be fatal in untreated cases.

What can be done to prevent the spread of anthrax?
Anthrax vaccine is available for people in high-risk occupations.  To prevent
anthrax, carefully handle dead animals suspected of having anthrax; provide
good ventilation when processing hides, fur, hair or wool; and vaccinate
animals.
!
*
Arboviral Infections          (arthropod-borne encephalitis, eastern equine

                              encephalomyelitis, St.  Louis encephalitis,

                              California encephalitis)

What are arboviral infections?
Arboviral (short for arthropod-borne) infections are caused by any of
a number of viruses transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks.
These infections generally occur during warm weather months when mosquitoes
are active.

Who gets arboviral infections?
Anyone can get an arboviral infection but young children and the elderly
appear to be most susceptible.

How are arboviral infections spread?
Most arboviral infections are spread by infected mosquitoes.  Fortunately,
only a few types of mosquitoes are capable of transmitting the disease and
only a small number of the mosquitoes are actually carrying the virus.
Occasionally, migrating birds have the ability to carry viruses from one
area of the country to another.

What are the symptoms of arboviral infections?

@
Slight Fever
Slight Headache
High Fever
Severe Headache
Disorientation
Coma
Tremors
Convulsions
Paralysis
$

How soon after exposure do symptoms occur?
Symptoms usually occur five to 15 days after exposure to infective mosquitoes.

Does past infection with an arbovirus make a person immune?
Yes, infection with an arbovirus can provide immunity to that specific virus
and perhaps to other related viruses.

What is the treatment for an infection due to an arbovirus?
The physician will usually attempt to relieve the symptoms of the illness,
but there is no specific treatment available for arbovirus infections.

How can arboviral infections be prevented?
Insect repellents can be used when outdoors in mosquito-infested areas.  Homes
can be screened to prevent entry of mosquitoes.  Communities or municipalities
may establish a mosquito surveillance or control program to reduce mosquito
populations by applying pesticides and draining swampy areas.
!
*
Babesiosis

What is babesiosis?
Babesiosis is a rare, severe and sometimes fatal tick-borne disease caused
by an infection with a red blood cell parasite.

Who gets babesiosis?
Babesiosis is seen most frequently in the elderly or in immunocompromised
individuals.  Cases of this disease have been reported during spring, summer
and fall in coastal areas in the northeastern United States, especially
Nantucket Island off the Massachusetts shore and on Long Island, New York.
Cases have also been reported in Wisconsin, California, Georgia and some
European countries.   Severe cases of babesiosis can occur in people who have
had their spleen removed.

How is babesiosis spread?
Babesiosis is caused by Babesia microti, a parasite transmitted by the bite
of an infected deer tick.   The tick is carried by meadow voles, mice and deer.
Transmission to humans generally occurs from the bite of the nymph, while
the adult tick generally feeds on deer.   Transmission can also occur via
contaminated blood transfusion.

What are the symptoms of babesiosis?

@
Fever
Fatigue
Hemolytic Anemia
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
It may take from one to 12 months for symptoms to appear; less time for
immunocompromised people.

Does past infection with babesiosis make a person immune?
It is not known whether past infection with babesiosis can make a person
immune.

What is the treatment for babesiosis?
Standardized treatments for babesiosis have not been developed.  However,
some drugs used in the treatment of malaria have been found to be effective
in a few patients with babesiosis.

What can be done to prevent the spread of babesiosis?
It is important to control rodents around human habitation and to use tick
repellents.  It is helpful to wear light colored clothing and to tuck pants
into socks when walking through tick-infested areas.
!
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Botulism                     (food-borne botulism and infant botulism)

What is botulism?
Botulism is a food poisoning caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria,
Clostridium botulinum.  Only a few cases are reported in New York State
each year.

Who gets botulism?
Food-borne botulism is due to ingestion of a toxin formed in food. It often
involves improperly processed home canned foods. Botulism in infants under
one year of age has been associated with the ingestion of contaminated honey.

How is botulism spread?
Person to person spread does not occur. A person must ingest contaminated
food that has not been properly cooked or reheated after the toxin has been
produced by the bacteria. With infant botulism, an infant must ingest
bacterial spores and then produce the toxin in his/her gastrointestinal tract.

What are the symptoms of botulism?
@
Blurred or Double Vision
General Weakness
Poor Reflexes
Difficulty Swallowing
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of food-borne botulism usually appear 12-36 hours after ingestion,
but may take several days. The incubation period for infant botulism is
unknown.

What is the treatment for botulism?
Hospital care is necessary. Antitoxin is given in certain cases of food-borne
botulism, but not in cases of infant botulism.

What happens if botulism is not treated?
Untreated botulism may result in death.

How can botulism be prevented?
Identified sources of infant botulism, such as honey, should not be fed to
infants.  All canned and preserved foods should be properly processed and
prepared.  Bulging containers should not be opened and foods with off-odors
should not be eaten or even tasted. Commercial cans with bulging lids should
be returned unopened to the vendor.
!
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Brucellosis                  (undulant fever, Bang's disease)

What is brucellosis?
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that may affect various organs of the body.

Who gets brucellosis?
Everyone is susceptible to the bacteria and may get the disease if exposed.
It is more likely to be found in people associated with livestock.

How is brucellosis spread?
The bacteria that causes this disease are found in unpasteurized milk from
diseased cows and also from discharges from cattle or goats that abort their
fetus.  It is unlikely that this disease would be spread from person to
person.

What are the symptoms of brucellosis?
@
Irregular Fever
Headache
Weakness
Profuse Sweating
Chills
Weight Loss
Generalized Aching
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The time period is highly variable, but symptoms usually appear within five
to 30 days.

Does past infection with brucellosis make a person immune?
It is unlikely that an individual will be reinfected.

What is the treatment for brucellosis?
Tetracycline or tetracycline plus streptomycin is the treatment of choice.
Early diagnosis leading to prompt treatment is essential to prevent chronic
infection.

What can be done to prevent the spread of brucellosis?
The use of pasteurized milk and prevention of contact with infected cattle,
sheep or goats will reduce the risk of infection.
!
*
Campylobacteriosis

What is campylobacteriosis?
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract
and, rarely, the bloodstream.  Most cases are seen in the summer
months and occur assingle cases or outbreaks.

Is this a new disease?
No.  Campylobacteriosis has probably been in existence for many years but has
only recently been recognized as a common infection due to improved laboratory
methods.

Who gets campylobacteriosis?
Anyone can get campylobacter infection.

How is the germ spread?
Campylobacter are generally spread by eating or drinking contaminated food
or water and, occasionally, by contact with infected people or animals.

What are the symptoms of campylobacteriosis?
@
Mild Diarrhea
Severe Diarrhea
Fever
Blood in Stool
$

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms generally appear two to five days after the exposure.

Where are the campylobacter germs found?
Many animals including swine, cattle dogs and birds (particularly poultry)
carry the germ in their intestines.  These sources in turn may contaminate
meat products (particularly poultry), water supplies, milk and other items
in the food chain.

For how long can a person carry the campylobacter germ?
Generally, infected people will continue to pass the germ in their feces for
a few days to a week or more.  Certain antibiotics may shorten the carrier
phase.

Do infected people need to be isolated or excluded from school or work?
Since the organism is passed in the feces, only people with active diarrhea
who are unable to control their bowel habits (infants, young children,
certain handicapped individuals, for example) should be isolated.  Most
infected people may return to work or school when their stools become formed
provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet visits.  Food
handlers, children in day care and health care workers must obtain the
approval of the local or state health department before returning to their
routine activities.

What is the treatment for campylobacteriosis?
Most people infected with campylobacter will recover on their own or require
fluids to prevent dehydration.  Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat
severe cases or to shorten the carrier phase, which may be important for food
handlers, children in day care and health care workers.  Since relapses
occasionally occur, some physicians might treat mild cases with antibiotics
to prevent a recurrence of symptoms.

How can campylobacteriosis be prevented?

1.  Always treat raw poultry, beef and pork as if they are contaminated and
handle accordingly:
        - Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood
        from dripping on other foods.
        - Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize holding at room temperature.
        - Cutting boards and counters used for preparation should be washed
        immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods.
        - Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats.
        - Ensure that the correct internal cooking temperature is
        reached-particularly when using a microwave.
2.  Avoid eating raw eggs or undercooking foods containing raw eggs.
3.  Avoid using raw milk.
4.  Encourage careful handwashing before and after food preparation.
5.  Make sure children, particularly those who handle pets, wash their hands
carefully.
!
*
Chancroid                    (soft chancre)

What is chancroid?
Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium.  It
is common in tropical countries but rare in other parts of the world.

Who gets chancroid?
Any sexually active person can be infected with chancroid.  It is more
commonly seen in men than in women, particularly uncircumcised males.

How is chancroid spread?
Chancroid is spread by sexual contact with an infected individual.  The
bacteria are more likely to invade the sexual organs at the point of a
pre-existing injury, such as a small cut or scratch.  The likelihood of
transmission is greater if a person is very active sexually and does not
practice personal hygiene.

What are the symptoms of chancroid?

@
Sores on Genital Organs
Open Sore
Enlarged Groin Gland
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear four to seven days after exposure.

When and for how long is a person able to spread chancroid?
Chancroid is contagious as long as the infected person has any open sores.
The open sores contain bacteria and any contact with these sores can result
in infection.

What complications can result from chancroid?
Untreated chancroid often results in ulcers occurring on the genitals.
Sometimes the ulcers persist for weeks or months.

Does past infection with chancroid make a person immune?
No.  Reinfection can readily occur immediately after cure.  There is no
evidence of natural resistance.

What is the treatment for chancroid?
Chancroid may be successfully treated with certain antibiotics.  Lesions and
ulcers can be expected to heal within two weeks.

How can the spread of chancroid be prevented?
        - Limit the number of your sex partners.
        - Use a condom.
        - Carefully wash the genitals after sexual relations.
        - If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit
          your local STD clinic, a hospital or your doctor.
        - Notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain
          examination and treatment.
!
*
Chickenpox                   (varicella zoster)

What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly communicable disease caused by the Varicella virus,
a member of the herpes virus family.

Who gets chickenpox?
Almost everyone gets chickenpox.  In metropolitan communities, about 75
percent of the population has had chickenpox by age 15 and at least 90
percent by young adulthood.  In temperate climates, chickenpox occurs
most frequently in winter and early spring.

How is chickenpox spread?
Chickenpox is transmitted to others by direct person-to-person contact, by
droplet or airborne spread of discharges from an infected person's nose and
throat or indirectly through articles freshly soiled by discharges from the
infected person's lesions. The scabs themselves are not considered infectious.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

@
Slight Fever
Feeling Tired
Itchy Blister-Like Rash
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms commonly appear 13-17 days after infection, with a range of
11-21 days.

When and for how long is a person able to spread chickenpox?
A person is able to transmit chickenpox from five days before onset of rash
to not more than six days after the appearance of the first lesion.
Contagion may be prolonged in people with altered immunity conditions.

Does past infection with chickenpox make a person immune?
Chickenpox generally results in lifelong immunity.  However, this infection
may remain hidden and recur years later as Herpes zoster (shingles) in a
proportion of older adults and sometimes in children.

What are the complications associated with chickenpox?
Reye's syndrome has been a potentially serious complication associated with
clinical chickenpox.  Newborn children (less than one month old) whose
mothers are not immune, and patients with leukemia may suffer severe,
prolonged or fatal chickenpox.  Immunodeficient patients and those on
immunosuppressive drugs may have an increased risk of developing a severe
form of shingles.

Is there a vaccine for chickenpox?
A vaccine to protect children against chickenpox is still undergoing clinical
trials.  To protect high-risk newborns and immunodeficient patients from
exposure, a shot of varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) is effective in
modifying or preventing disease if given within 96 hours after exposure to a
case of chickenpox.

What can a person or community do to prevent the spread of chickenpox?
The best method to prevent further spread of chickenpox is for people
infected with the disease to remain home and avoid exposing others who are
susceptible.  If they develop symptoms, they should remain home until one
week after the skin eruption began or until the lesions become dry.
Pay particular attention to avoiding unnecessary exposure of nonimmune
newborns and immunodeficient patients to chickenpox.
!
*
Cholera

What is cholera?
Cholera is a bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract.  It is
caused by a germ called Vibno cholera.  Although cholera is a very rare
disease today, six worldwide outbreaks were documented between 1817 and 1911
that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths.  Currently, only a few
cases are recognized in the United States each year.

Who gets cholera?
While cholera is a rare disease, those who may be at risk include people
traveling to foreign countries where outbreaks are occurring and people who
consume raw or undercooked seafood from warm coastal waters subject to sewage
contamination.  In both instances, the risk is quite small.

How is the germ spread?
The cholera germ is passed in the stools.  It is spread by eating or drinking
food or water contaminated by the fecal waste of an infected person.  This
occurs more often in underdeveloped countries lacking adequate water supplies
and proper sewage disposal.

What are the symptoms of cholera?

@
Mild Diarrhea
Severe Diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Fever
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear from six hours to five days after exposure.

What is the treatment for cholera?
Because of the rapid dehydration that may result from severe diarrhea,
replacement of fluids by mouth or by the intravenous route is critical.
Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, are also used to shorten the duration
of diarrhea and shedding of the germs in the feces.

Is there a vaccine for cholera?
A vaccine is available and is sometimes recommended for travelers to certain
foreign countries where cholera is occurring.  However, the vaccine offers
only partial protection (50%) for a short duration (two to six months).
Some physicians feel that foreign travelers almost never contract cholera and
that use of the current vaccine cannot be justified.

How can cholera be prevented?
The single most important preventive measure is to avoid consuming foods or
water in foreign countries where cholera occurs unless they are known to be
safe or have been properly treated.
!
*
Dengue Fever                 (breakbone fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever)

What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a virus. The disease is
mainly tropical in origin but occasionally residents or visitors from other
countries may arrive in this country with dengue fever. Cases originating in
the United States are virtually unknown.

Who gets dengue fever?
Dengue fever may occur in people of all ages who are exposed to infected
mosquitoes. The disease occurs mainly in tropical Asia and the Caribbean,
usually during the rainy seasons in areas with high numbers of infected
mosquitoes.

How is dengue fever spread?
Dengue fever is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

@
Fever
Headache
Joing and Muscle Pain
Rash
Loss of Appetite
Vomiting
Abdominal Pain
Shock
Circulatory Failure
$

How soon do symptoms occur?
Dengue fever may occur from three to 15 days after exposure to an infected
mosquito, commonly within five to six days.

Does past infection with dengue virus make a person immune?
Community may be produced to the same strain of dengue virus after repeated
exposures.

What is the treatment for dengue fever?
There is no specific treatment available. Intravenous fluids and oxygen
therapy are often used for patients who experience shock during their illness.

What can be done to prevent the spread of dengue fever?
Since cases of dengue appearing in New York are imported, control measures
are limited to advising travelers to affected areas to minimize exposure to
infected mosquitoes. Use of mosquito netting and repellents may be helpful in
minimizing exposure.
!
*
Diphtheria

What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that usually affects the tonsils,
throat, nose or skin.

Who gets diphtheria?
Diphtheria is most common in low socioeconomic groups where people live in
crowded conditions. Unimmunized children under 15 years of age are likely
to contract diphtheria. The disease is often found among adults whose
immunization was neglected, and is most severe in unimmunized or
inadequately immunized individuals.

How is diphtheria spread?
Diphtheria is transmitted to others through close contact with discharge
from an infected person's nose, throat, skin, eyes and lesions.

What are the symptoms of diphtheria?
@
Sore Throat
Low Grad Fever
Enlarged Lymph Node in Neck
Skin Lesions
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear two to four days after infection, with a range of
one to six days.

When and for how long is a person able to spread diphtheria?
Untreated people who are infected with the diphtheria germ can be contagious
for up to two weeks, but seldom more than four weeks. If treated with
appropriate antibiotics, the contagious period can be limited to less than
four days.

Does past infection with diphtheria make a person immune?
Recovery from diphtheria is not always followed by lasting immunity.

Is there a vaccine for diphtheria?
Diphtheria toxoid is usually combined with tetanus toxoid and pertussis
vaccine to form a triple vaccine known as DTP. This vaccine should be given
at two, four, six and 15 months of age, and between four and six years of age.
A combination of tetanus toxoid and diphtheria toxoid (Td) should be given
every 10 years to maintain immunity.

What is the treatment for diphtheria?
Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin and erythromycin, can be prescribed
for the treatment of diphtheria.

What can be the effect of not being treated for diphtheria?
If diphtheria goes untreated, serious complications such as paralysis, heart
failure and blood disorders may occur. Death occurs in approximately 5 to 10
percent of all cases.

How can diphtheria be prevented?
The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible
level of immunization in the community. Other methods of control include
prompt treatment of cases and a community surveillance program.
!
*
E. coli 0157:H7 Infection

What is E.coli 0157:H7 infection?
E. coli is a bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of humans and
animals.  Although most strains of this bacteria are harmless, one particular
strain known as E. coli 0157:H7 infection is known to produce a toxin that
can cause serious illness.

Who gets E. coli 0157:H7 infection ?
Anyone of any age can become infected with E. coli  0157:H7, but it appears
children are more likely to develop serious complications.

How does one get infected with E. coli 0157:H7?
The infection is acquired by eating food containing the bacteria. The bacteria
live in the intestine of some healthy cattle, and contamination of the meat
may occur in the slaughtering process. Eating meat that is rare or
inadequately cooked is the most common way of getting the infection.
Person-to-person transmission can occur if infected persons do not wash their
hands after using the toilet.

What are the symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7 infection?

@
Mild Diarrhea
Abdominal Cramps
Severe Diarrhea
Blood in Stool
$

How soon after the exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms usually appear about three days after exposure, with a range of
one to nine days.

How is infection with E. coli 0157:H7 diagnosed?
Infection with E. coli 0157:H7 can only be diagnosed by a special stool
culture that is not performed in many laboratories. Physicians can
specifically request a culture for this bacteria, and the specimen will be
sent to a laboratory that can perform this test.

What is the treatment for infection with E. coli 0157:H7?
Most persons recover without antibiotics or other specific treatment in five
to ten days.  The usefulness of antibiotic treatment is unproven, and
anti-diarrheal medication should be avoided.  As with all types of diarrhea,
it is important to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids, and keep
your doctor informed of your symptoms.

What complications can result from infection with E. coli 0157:H7?
In some persons, particularly children under five years of age, the infection
can cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  This is a
serious disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail.
Transfusions of blood or blood clotting factors as well as kidney dialysis
may be necessary.  A prolonged hospital stay is often required. Fortunately,
most people with HUS recover completely, but it can be fatal.

How can infection with E. coli 0157:H7 be prevented?
Do not eat undercooked hamburger or other ground beef products.  Cook all
ground beef and hamburger thoroughly.  Make sure the cooked meat is brown
throughout (not pink), and the juices run clear.  Drink only pasteurized milk
and milk products. Make sure infected persons, especially children, wash their
hands carefully with soap after using the toilet to reduce the risk of
spreading the disease.

What is the meaning of the numbers and letter that appear after the
name E. coli?
The 0157 and H7 refer to the laboratory designation that differentiates this
harmful strain of E. coli from harmless strains.-
!
*
Fifth Disease                (erythema infectiosum, parvovirus B19 infections)

What is fifth disease?
Fifth disease is a viral infection which often affects red blood cells. It
is caused by a human parvovirus (B19). For many years, fifth disease was
viewed as an unimportant rash illness of children. Recently, studies have
shown that the virus may be responsible for serious complications in certain
individuals.

Who gets fifth disease?
Anyone can be infected, but the disease seems to occur more often in
elementary school-age children.

How is the virus spread?
The virus is spread by exposure to airborne droplets from the nose and throat
of infected people.

What are the symptoms and when do they appear?

@
Low Grade Fever
Tiredness
Red Rash on Cheeks
$

When and for how long is a person able to spread the disease?
People with fifth disease appear to be contagious during the week prior to
the appearance of the rash. By the time the rash is evident, the person is
probably beyond the contagious period.

How is fifth disease diagnosed?
In most cases, the disease is diagnosed based on the appearance of typical
symptoms.  A specific blood test to confirm the diagnosis has recently
became available but is not necessary in healthy children.

Does past infection with the virus make a person immune?
It is thought that people who have been previously infected acquire long-term
or lifelong immunity. Studies have shown that more than 50 percent of adults
are immune to parvovirus B19.

What is the treatment?
At this time, there is no specific treatment.

What are the complications associated with fifth disease?
While there is no evidence that parvovirus B19 infection is a significant
cause of fetal defects, some studies have shown that infection may increase
risk of miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. In people with chronic red blood
cell disorders, such as sickle-cell disease, infection may result in severe
anemia. Infection has also been associated with arthritis in adults.

What can be done to prevent the spread of fifth disease?
Measures to effectively control fifth disease have not been developed yet.
During outbreaks in schools, pregnant school employees and people with
chronic red blood cell disorders should consult their physician and the local
or state health department for advice.

What should I do if I an exposed to a child with fifth disease during
my pregnancy?
If you are exposed to a case or develop symptoms of fifth disease while
pregnant, you should consult your doctor. Blood testing is available at the
New York State Health Department laboratory to determine if you are already
immune or infected with parvovirus B19.

Where can I call for additional information regarding fifth disease
and pregnancy?
!
*
Giardiasis                   (beaver fever)

What is giardiasis?
Giardiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called
Giardia lamblia. It is a fairly common cause of diarrheal illness.
Cases may occur sporadically or in clusters or outbreaks. Now that giardiasis
must be reported to the Health Department, it is hoped that much more will be
learned about the disease.

Who gets giardiasis?
Anyone can get giardiasis but it tends to occur more often in people in
institutional settings, people in day care centers, foreign travelers and
individuals who consume improperly treated surface water. Homosexual males
may also be at increased risk of contracting giardiasis.

How is this parasite spread?
The giardia parasite is passed in the feces of an infected person or animal
and may contaminate water or food. Person to person transmission may also
occur in day care centers or other settings where handwashing practices are
poor.

What are the symptoms of giardiasis?

@
Mild Diarrhea
Severe Diarrhea
Fever
Weight Loss
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear from five to 25 days after exposure but usually
within 10 days.

How long can an infected person carry giardia?
The carrier stage generally lasts from a few weeks to a few months. Treatment
with specific antibiotics may shorten the carrier stage.

Where are the giardia parasites found?
Giardia has been found in infected people (with or without symptoms) and wild
and domestic animals. The beaver has gained attention as a potential source
of giardia contamination of lakes, reservoirs and streams, but human fecal
wastes are probably as important.

Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?
People with active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits
(infants, young children, certain handicapped individuals, for example)
may need to be excluded from settings such as day care or group activities
where they may present a risk to others. After they have been treated and
have recovered, they may be permitted to return. In addition, some local
health departments may require follow-up stool testing to confirm that the
person is no longer contagious. Individuals who are not in high-risk settings
may return to their routine activities when they have recovered, provided
that they carefully wash their hands after each toilet visit.

What is the treatment for giardiasis?
Antibiotics such as atabrine, metronidazole or furizolidone are often
prescribed by doctors to treat giardiasis. However, some individuals may
recover on their own without medication.

What can a person or community do to prevent the spread of giardiasis?
Three important preventive measures are:
        - Carefully wash hands thoroughly after toilet visits.
        - Carefully dispose of sewage wastes so as not to contaminate surface
          water or groundwater.
        - Avoid consuming improperly treated drinking water.
!
*
Gonorrhea                    Gonococcal Infection (clap, drip)

What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is an infection that is spread through sexual contact with another
person. The gonorrhea germs are found in the mucous areas of the body
(the vagina, penis, throat and rectum).

Who gets gonorrhea?
Any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. Most often,
gonorrhea is found in younger people (ages 15-30) who have multiple sex
partners. Gonorrhea is reported more frequently from urban areas than from
rural areas.

How is gonorrhea spread?
Gonorrhea is spread through sexual contact. This includes penis to vagina,
penis to mouth, penis to rectum and mouth to vagina contact. Gonorrhea can
also be spread from mother to child during birth.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

@
Burning while Urinating
Yellowish white discharge from Penis
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
In males, symptoms usually appear two to seven days after infection but it
can take as long as 30 days for symptoms to begin. Often, there are no
symptoms for people infected with gonorrhea; 10 to 15 percent of men and
about 80 percent of women may have no symptoms. People with no symptoms are
at risk for developing complications to gonorrhea. These people also spread
this infection unknowingly.

When and for how long is a person able to spread gonorrhea?
From the time a person is infected with gonorrhea, he or she can spread the
disease. A person can continue to spread the infection until properly treated.

Does past infection with gonorrhea make a person immune?
Past infection does not make a person immune to gonorrhea. Previous infections
with gonorrhea may allow complications to occur more rapidly.

What is the treatment for gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is treated with penicillin or other antibiotics in pill form or by
injection into the buttocks. All strains of gonorrhea are curable but this
disease is becoming more and more resistant to many standard medications.

What happens if gonorrhea goes untreated?
If a person is not treated for gonorrhea, there is a good chance complications
will occur. Women frequently suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a
painful condition that occurs when the infection spreads throughout the
reproductive organs. PID can lead to sterilization in females. Men may suffer
from swelling of the testicles and penis. Both sexes may suffer from
arthritis, skin problems and other organ infections caused by the spread
of gonorrhea within the body.

What can be done to prevent the spread of gonorrhea?
Sexual relations should be approached responsibly.
        - Limit the number of your sex partners.
        - Use a condom.
        - If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit
          a local sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic, hospital or your
          doctor.
        - Bring your sex partners with you to the clinic or doctor so that they
          can be treated.
!
*
Granuloma Inguinale          (donovanosis)

What is granuloma inguinale?
Granuloma inguinale is a chronic bacterial infection of the genital region,
generally regarded to be sexually transmitted.

Who gets granuloma inguinale?
Granuloma inguinale is a relatively rare disease occurring in people living
in tropical and subtropical areas. It occurs more frequently in males. In the
United States, while homosexuals are at greater risk, it is relatively rare
in heterosexual partners of those infected.

How is granuloma inguinale spread?
Granuloma inguinale is thought to be spread by sexual contact with an
infected individual.

What are the symptoms of granuloma inguinale?

@
Lumps or Blisters in the genital area
Open Sore
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The incubation period appears to be between eight and 80 days after infection.
When and for how long is a person able to spread granuloma inguinale?
Granuloma inguinale is communicable as long as the infected person remains
untreated and bacteria from lesions are present.

Does past infection with granuloma inguinale make a person immune?
Past infection does not make a person immune. Susceptibility is variable.
There is no evidence of natural resistance.

What is the treatment for granuloma inguinale?
There are several antibiotics that will effectively cure granuloma inguinale.
Response to the antibiotic should be evident within seven days and total
healing usually occurs within three to five weeks.

What complications can result from granuloma inguinale?
If left untreated, granuloma inguinale can result in extensive destruction
of genital organs and may also spread to other parts of the body.

How can the spread of granuloma inguinale be prevented?
        - Limit the number of your sex partners.
        - Use a condom.
        - Carefully wash the genitals after sexual relations.
        - If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit
          your local sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic, a hospital or
          your doctor.
        - Notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain medical
          care.
!
*
Hepatitis A                 (infectious hepatitis)

What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A (formerly known as infectious hepatitis) is a liver disease
caused by a specific virus.

Who gets hepatitis A?
Anyone can get hepatitis A, but it occurs more frequently in children.

How is the virus spread?
The hepatitis A virus enters through the mouth, multiplies in the body and
is passed in the feces. The virus can then be carried on an infected person's
hands and can be spread by direct contact, or by consuming food or drink that
has been handled by the individual. In some cases, it can be spread by
consuming water contaminated with improperly treated sewage.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

@
Fatigue
Poor Appetite
Fever
Vomiting
Dark Urine
Jaundice of skin and eyes
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear two to six weeks after exposure, but usually within
three to four weeks.

For how long is an infected person able to spread the virus?
The contagious period begins about a week or so before the symptoms appear,
and extends up to the time of jaundice.

Does past infection with hepatitis A make a person immune?
Once an individual recovers from hepatitis A, he or she is immune for life
and does not continue to carry the virus.

What is the treatment for hepatitis A?
There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat a
person once the symptoms appear. Generally, bed rest is all that is needed.

How can hepatitis A be prevented?
A vaccine is not currently available. The single most effective way to
prevent spread is careful handwashing after using the toilet. Also, infected
people should not handle foods during the contagious period. Household
members or others in close contact with an infected person should call
a doctor or the health department to obtain a shot of immune globulin which
minimizes their chances of becoming ill.
!
*
Hepatitis C

What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C (formerly called non-A, non-B hepatitis) is a liver disease
caused by a recently identified bloodborne virus. Other types of viral
hepatitis include hepatitis A (formerly called infectious hepatitis),
hepatitis B (serum hepatitis), hepatitis D (delta hepatitis) and hepatitis E
(a virus transmitted through the feces of an infected person).

Who gets hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C occurs most often in people who have received a blood transfusion
or who have shared needles.

How is the virus spread?
Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C is spread by exposure to blood from an infected
person, such as through a blood transfusion or sharing needles. The risk of
sexual transmission has not been thoroughly studied but appears to be small.
There is no evidence that the hepatitis C virus can be transmitted by casual
contact, through foods or by coughing or sneezing.

What are the symptoms?

@
Appetite Loss
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach Pain
Jaundice
$

How soon do symptoms occur?
Symptoms may occur from two weeks to six months after exposure but usually
within two months.

When and for how long is a person able to spread hepatitis C?
Some people carry the virus in their bloodstream and may remain contagious
for years. The disease may occur in the acute form and be followed by recovery
or it may become chronic and cause symptoms for years.

What is the treatment for hepatitis C?
There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat people
with the acute form of hepatitis C but the FDA has approved a drug called
recombinant alpha interferon for treating people with chronic hepatitis C.

Is donated blood tested for this virus?
Since May 1990, blood donation centers throughout the U.S. have routinely
used a blood donor screening test for hepatitis C. Widespread use of this test
has significantly reduced the number of post-transfusion hepatitis C cases.

What are the possible consequences of hepatitis C?
Approximately 25 percent of people infected with hepatitis C virus will become
sick with jaundice or other symptoms of hepatitis. Fifty percent of these
individuals may go on to develop chronic liver disease.

How can the spread of hepatitis C be prevented?
People who have had hepatitis C should remain aware that their blood and
possibly other body fluids are potentially infective. Care should be taken to
avoid blood exposure to others by sharing toothbrushes, razors, needles, etc.
In addition, infected people must not donate blood and should inform their
dental or medical care providers so that proper precautions can be followed.
The risk of sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus has not been thoroughly
investigated but appears to be minimal. Several studies suggest that spread
seldom occurs from people with chronic hepatitis C disease to their steady
sexual partners. Therefore, limitations on sexual activity with steady
partners may not be needed. However, people with acute illness and multiple
sexual partners may be at greater risk and should use condoms to reduce the
risk of acquiring or transmitting hepatitis C as well as other sexually
transmitted infections.

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?
At the present time, a hepatitis C vaccine is not available. A safe and
effective vaccine for hepatitis B is in widespread use in the U.S. and a new
experimental vaccine for hepatitis A is undergoing clinical trials.
!
*
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B (formerly known as serum hepatitis) is a liver disease caused
by a virus.

Who gets hepatitis B?
Anyone can get hepatitis B, but those at greater risk include:
        -       drug abusers who share needles;
        -       certain health care workers who have contact with infected
                blood;
        -       homosexual males, particularly those with multiple partners;
        -       people in custodial care (in settings such as developmental
                centers);
        -       hemodialysis patients;
        -       certain household contacts of an infected person;
        -       infants born to mothers who are hepatitis B carriers.

How is the virus spread?
Hepatitis B virus can be found in the blood and, to a lesser extent, saliva,
semen and other body fluids of an infected person. It is spread by direct
contact with infected body fluids; usually by needle stick injury or sexual
contact. Hepatitis B virus is not spread by casual contact.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

@
Fatigue
Poor Appetite
Fever
Vomiting
Joint Pain
Hives
Rash
Dark Urine
Jaundice
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear two to six months after exposure, but usually within
three months.

For how long is a person able to spread the virus?
The virus can be found in blood and other body fluids several weeks before
symptoms appear and generally persists for several months afterward.
Approximately 10 percent of infected people may become long-term carriers of
the virus.

What is the treatment for hepatitis B?
There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat a
person once the symptoms appear. Generally, bed rest is all that is needed.

What precautions should hepatitis B carriers take?
Hepatitis B carriers should follow standard hygienic practices to ensure
that close contacts are not directly contaminated by his or her blood or
other body fluids.  Carriers must not share razors, toothbrushes or any
other object that may become contaminated with blood. In addition,
susceptible household members, particularly sexual partners, should be
immunized with hepatitis B vaccine. It is important for carriers to inform
their dentist and health care providers.

How can hepatitis B be prevented?
A vaccine to prevent hepatitis B has been available for several years. It is
safe, effective and is recommended for people in high-risk settings who have
not already been infected and infants who are born to mothers who are carrying
the virus. It is also recommended that hepatitis B vaccine be universally
administered to all children along with their routine childhood immunizations
beginning at birth or two months of age. A special hepatitis B immune globulin
is also available for people who are exposed to the virus. In the event of
exposure to hepatitis B, consult a doctor or the local health department.
!
*
Herpes II                    (genital herpes)

What is herpes II?
Herpes II is a sexually transmitted viral infection, which often produces
painful sores, usually in the genital area. Once infected, an individual
may carry the virus and be subject to recurrent bouts of infection. Some
estimate that as many as 20 percent of the adult population in the United
States has been exposed to the virus.

Who gets herpes II?
Any person who has intimate sexual contact with an infected person can
contract the infection.  In addition, herpes II can be spread from an
infected mother to her child during birth.

How is herpes II spread?
The herpes II virus is spread during sexual contact with an infected person
who is secreting the virus in fluids from lesions or mucous membranes.

What are the symptoms of herpes II?

@
Cluster of Blister-Like Lesions in the Genital Area
Itching and Painful Sores
Painful Urination
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Headache
Chills
Fever
Muscular Weakness
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Some studies have shown that from one-half to two-thirds of people infected
with the virus will have no symptoms. But, if they appear, local symptoms may
be seen from two to 12 days after exposure.

When and for how long is a person able to spread herpes II?
People are most likely to transmit the virus when the lesions are evident.
There is evidence, however, that the virus may be shed even when no symptoms
of a recurrent episode are present.

Does past infection with herpes II make a person immune?
No. After the initial infection, the herpes II virus becomes dormant within
the body. Symptoms may recur with varying frequency and are often associated
with stress factors.

What is the treatment for herpes II?
Acyclovir, used orally, intravenously or topically, has been shown to reduce
the shedding of herpes II virus, diminish pain and speed the healing of
primary herpes lesions. In the oral form, this treatment also appears to
shorten the duration of both primary and recurrent episodes.

What can a person or community do to prevent the spread of herpes II?
Avoidance of sexual contact with symptomatic individuals is an immediate, but
only partial answer because herpes virus may be shed while the infected
individual remains asymptomatic. Cesarean section is often recommended when
primary or recurrent herpes II lesions occur in late pregnancy.

Sexual relations should be approached responsibly.
        - Limit the number of your sex partners.
        - Use a condom.
        - If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit
          the local STD clinic, a hospital or your doctor.
!
*
Haemophilus lnfluenzae       (Hib, Haemophilus b)

     Type b

What is Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) disease?
Hib is one of the most important causes of serious bacterial infection in
young children. Hib may cause a variety of diseases such as meningitis
(inflammation of the coverings of the spinal column and brain), blood stream
infections, pneumonia, arthritis and infections of other parts of the body.

Who gets Hib disease?
Hib disease is most common in children three months to three years of age.

How is Hib disease spread?
Hib disease may be transmitted through contact with mucus or droplets
from the nose and throat of an infected person.

What are the symptoms of Hib disease?

@
Fever
Lethargy
Vomiting
Stiff Neck
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The incubation period for Hib disease is usually less than 10 days.

When and for how long is a person able to spread Hib disease?
The contagious period varies and, unless treated, may persist for as long as
the organism is present in the nose and throat, even after symptoms have
disappeared.

Does past infection with Hib disease make a person immune?
No. Children who have had Hib disease are at risk of recurrence.

What is the treatment for Hib disease?
Antibiotics such as ampicillin or chloramphenicol are generally used to treat
serious infections. Rifampin is used to treat people who may be carrying the
germ.

What are the possible complications associated with Hib disease?
Hib disease manifests itself in a variety of ways, most commonly meningitis.
When Hib meningitis occurs, a certain proportion of those who recover may
suffer long-lasting neurologic problems. In some instances, cases may be
fatal.

What can be done to prevent the spread of Hib disease?
There are currently several Hib conjugate vaccines licensed by the FDA
(October 1990). Some of these are licensed for use in children as early
as two months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends
that all children be immunized with an approved Hib vaccine at two months
of age or as soon as possible thereafter. Recommendations for scheduling of
subsequent doses vary depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, it is
important to consult with your physician.
!
*
Histoplasmosis

What is histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis is a fungus infection that affects the lungs and may
occasionally invade other parts of the body.

Who gets histoplasmosis?
Anyone can get histoplasmosis.  It is recognized more often in
immunocompromised individuals, such as AIDS patients. Birds (especially
chickens), bats, dogs, cats, rats, skunks, opossum, foxes and other
animals can get histoplasmosis and may play a role in spreading the disease.

How is histoplasmosis spread?
The disease is acquired by inhaling the spore stage of the fungus. Outbreaks
may occur in groups with common exposures to bird or bat droppings or recently
disturbed, contaminated soil found in chicken coops, caves, etc. Person-to-
person spread of histoplasmosis does not occur.

What are the symptoms of histoplasmosis?

@
Flu Like Symptoms
Lung Infection
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms may appear within five to 18 days (usually 10 days) after exposure.
However, most people do not experience symptoms.

Does past infection with histoplasmosis make a person immune?
Infection usually results in increased resistance to infection, although the
immunity is not complete.

What is the treatment for histoplasmosis?
Specific medications such as Amphotericin B are available.

What can be done to prevent the spread of histoplasmosis?
Minimize exposure to dust in contaminated and enclosed environments such as
chicken coops and their surrounding soil. Use of a protective mask and
spraying the area with water may be helpful in minimizing exposure to dust.
!
*
Influenza                    (flu)

What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza or flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat, bronchial tubes
and lungs. There are two main types of virus: A and B. Each type includes
many different strains which tend to change each year.

When does influenza occur?
Influenza occurs most often in the winter months. Illnesses resembling
influenza may occur in the summer months but they are usually due to
other viruses.

Who gets influenza?
Anyone can get influenza, but it is most serious in the elderly, in people
with chronic underlying illnesses (such as cancer, emphysema or diabetes)
or those with weak immune systems.

How is it spread?
Influenza is highly contagious and is easily transmitted through contact
with droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person during coughing
and sneezing.

What are the symptoms of influenza?

@
Headache
Fever
Chills
Cough
Body Aches
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The incubation period for influenza is one to five days.

How is influenza diagnosed?
Usually, a doctor will diagnose a case of the flu based on typical symptoms
of fever, chills, headache, cough and body aches. Specific lab tests to
confirm the flu are costly and time consuming and are usually limited to
outbreak or disease surveillance efforts.

When and for how long is a person able to spread influenza?
The contagious period varies, but probably begins the day before symptoms
appear and extends for a week.

Does past infection with influenza make a person immune?
Generally, no. The viruses that cause flu frequently change, so people who
have been infected or given a flu shot in previous years may become infected
with a new strain. Because of this, and because any immunity produced by the
flu shot will possibly decrease in the year after vaccination, people in
high-risk groups should be vaccinated every year.

What are the high-risk groups?
The following groups are at increased risk for serious illness with the flu
and should receive vaccine:
        -       all people 65 years of age and older;
        -       adults and children with long-term heart or lung problems;
        -       residents of nursing homes and other institutions housing
                patients of any age who have serious long-term health
                problems;
        -       people who have kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes,
                anemia, severe asthma, cancer or immunological disorders and
                other medical conditions for which they are under the close
                supervision of a doctor.
Others who should receive vaccine include household contacts of high-risk
people and health care workers who provide care to high-risk patients.

What is the treatment for influenza?
Rest and liquids are usually adequate. A prescription drug called amantadine
may prevent or reduce the severity of influenza type A, but is not effective
against type B.

What can be done to control or prevent influenza?
Routine immunization against influenza is the most important control measure.
Influenza vaccines may be available (flu shot) through your personal physician
or local health department.  When influenza type A occurs, amantadine may be
prescribed for certain individuals.  Because new influenza viruses often
appear, the effectiveness of the vaccine sometimes varies from one year
to the next. Nevertheless, studies have shown that even in years when new
strains emerge, people in high-risk groups who obtain annual flu shots tend
to have milder illness and are less likely to be hospitalized with
complications due to influenza A.
!
*
Kawasaki Syndrome            (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome)

What is Kawasaki syndrome?
Kawasaki syndrome is a serious rash illness of children.

Who gets Kawasaki syndrome?
Most cases occur in infants and children under age five.

How is Kawasaki syndrome spread?
Little is known about the way a person gets this syndrome or how it spreads.
It does not appear to be transmitted from person to person. Since outbreaks
occur, it may be caused by an infectious agent.

What are the symptoms of Kawasaki syndrome?

@
High Spiking Fever
Irritability
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Red Eyes
Red Throat
Rash
Peeling of Skin
$

Does past infection make a person immune?
Recurrences have been reported but they are extremely rare.

What is the treatment for Kawasaki syndrome?
Most patients are treated in the hospital where they can be closely watched.
Aspirin and immunoglobulins are often prescribed.

What are the complications associated with Kawasaki syndrome?
The most frequent complication is coronary artery aneurysms (ballooning out
of vessels in the heart). Other organs may be involved as well. Approximately
1-2 percent of cases die of the disease and its complications.

How can Kawasaki syndrome be prevented?
At the present time, preventive measures are unknown.
!
*
Legionellosis                (Legionnaires' disease)

What is legionellosis?
Legionellosis is a bacterial disease which may cause pneumonia. Approximately
3 percent of pneumonia cases occurring in New York State are due to the
legionnella bacterium.

Why is it called legionellosis?
An outbreak of this disease in Philadelphia in 1976, largely among people
attending a state convention of the American Legion, led to the name
"Legionnaires' Disease."  Subsequently, the bacterium causing the illness
was named Legionella pneumophila and the name of the illness was changed
to legionellosis.

Is this a new disease?
No. While the bacterium was only recently identified, earlier cases have
been confirmed as far back as 1947, and cases probably occurred before that
date.

How widespread is legionellosis?
It is estimated that about 25,000 people develop legionellosis in the
United States each year. An additional unknown number are infected with the
legionella bacterium and have mild symptoms or no illness at all. Cases occur
sporadically and in outbreaks. Outbreaks occur most often in the summer but
cases occur all year round.

How severe is the illness?
Legionellosis can be a mild respiratory illness or it can be severe enough
to cause death. From 10 to 40 percent of healthy adults have antibodies
showing previous exposure to the organism, but only a small percentage have
a history of previous pneumonia.

Where are legionella found?
Legionella are widely distributed in our environment. They have been found
in creeks and ponds, hot and cold water taps, hot water tanks, water in
air conditioning cooling towers and evaporative condensers, and soil at
excavation sites.

How is legionellosis spread?
The disease appears to be spread through the air from a soil or water source.
All studies to date have shown that person to person spread does not occur.

Who gets legionellosis?
Patients have ranged in age from 10 months to 84 years. The disease most
often affects middle-aged or older men, particularly those who smoke or drink
heavily. People with underlying illnesses such as cancer or those with lowered
immune system resistance to disease are also at higher risk.

What are the usual symptoms of legionellosis?

@
Muscle Aches
Headache
Tiredness
Dry Cough
High Fever
Chills
Occasional Diarrhea
$

How soon do symptoms occur/appear?
The incubation period for legionellosis ranges from two to 10 days, but is
usually five to six days.

What is the treatment for legionellosis?
Antibiotics such as erythromycin appear to be effective in treating the
disease.

Why is legionellosis so difficult to diagnose?
Legionellosis often causes symptoms similar to those caused by other
organisms, including influenza virus and other types of bacterial pneumonia.
Since diagnosis depends on culturing the organisms or comparison of blood
tests taken during and several weeks after the illness, the diagnosis may
not be confirmed until after the person is well.

When does the health department investigate a case of legionellosis?
Because sporadic cases are common and presently not preventable, they are
often investigated only to confirm the diagnosis and rule out an outbreak. If
an outbreak occurs, an investigation to look for a possible environmental
source is conducted.
!
*
Leprosy                      (Hansen's disease)

What is leprosy?
Leprosy is a chronic bacterial disease of the skin, nerves in the hands
and feet and, in some cases, the lining of the nose.

Who gets leprosy?
Anyone can get leprosy, but children seem to be more susceptible than adults.

How is leprosy spread?
It is not clear how the leprosy germ is spread, but household and prolonged
close contact is important. The germs probably enter the body through the
nose and possibly through broken skin. The germs get in the air through nasal
discharge of untreated lepromatous patients.

What are the symptoms of leprosy?

@
Well Defined Skin Lesions that are Numb
Chronic Stuffy Nose
Nodules
$

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
It usually takes about four years for tuberculoid leprosy symptoms to appear
and about eight years for lepromatous leprosy symptoms to appear.

When and for how long is a person able to spread leprosy?
In most cases, a person will not infect others after about three months
of starting treatment.

What is the treatment for leprosy?
There are two medicines that have to be taken once a month for at least
two years for patients with lepromatous leprosy. For tuberculoid leprosy,
two medicines should be taken once a month for six months.

How can leprosy be prevented?
The best way to prevent the spread of leprosy is the early diagnosis and
treatment of people who are infected. For household contacts, immediate and
annual examination for at least five years after last contact with a person who
is infectious, is recommended.
!
*

Leptospirosis                (Weil's disease)

What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease associated with wild and domestic
animals.  It causes severe systemic symptoms including jaundice.

Who gets leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is primarily an occupational disease that affects farmers,
sewer workers or others whose occupation involves contact with animals,
especially rats.

How is it spread?
Leptospirosis is spread mainly by the urine of infected animals and
is generally not transmitted from person to person.

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?

@
Fever
Headache
Chills
Vomiting
Jaundice
Anemia
Rash
$

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The incubation period is usually 10 days with a range of four to 10 days.

How is leptospirosis diagnosed?
The disease is diagnosed using specific blood tests available through public
health laboratories.

Does past infection with leptospirosis make a person immune?
There are several strains of the organism. Infection with one usually provides
immunity to that organism but not to other strains.

What is the treatment for leptospirosis?
The antibiotics of choice are penicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline and
erythromycin. Kidney dialysis may be necessary in some cases.

What are the complications associated with leptospirosis?
If not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage. In rare cases,
death may occur.

What can be done to prevent the spread of leptospirosis?
Disease prevention consists of good sanitation. The use of boots and gloves
in hazardous places, rodent control and immunization of farm and pet animals
can also minimize the risk of spread.
!
*

Lyme Disease                 (tick-borne borreliosis, Lyme arthritis)

What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by a certain type
of tick called Ixodes scapularis. Lyme disease may cause symptoms affecting
the skin, nervous system, heart and/or joints of an individual. The New York
State Department of Health is aware of over 12,000 cases in the state
occurring since Lyme disease was first recognized in 1977.

Why is it called Lyme disease?
The first cluster of disease cases associated with this infectious agent was
discovered near Lyme, Connecticut.

Who gets Lyme disease?
Males and females of all ages can get Lyme disease. People who spend time
outdoors in tick-infested environments are at an increased risk of exposure.
Most cases have reported an exposure to ticks or their woodland/brush habitat
during June, July and August, but cases have been reported during every month
of the year.  In New York, exposure to infected ticks currently appears to be
limited to Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley.

How is Lyme disease spread?
The bacteria that causes Lyme disease is part of a natural cycle of the deer
tick feeding on animals such as mice, opossums, dogs or deer in Suffolk
County or the lower Hudson Valley. Certain stages of the tick, especially
the nymph, can feed on a human and, if the tick is infected with the bacteria,
can cause an infection in man. Cases of Lyme disease have also been reported
in dogs and horses.  Person-to-person spread of Lyme disease does not occur.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

@
Circular Reddish Expanding Rash around Tick Bite
Multiple Rashes
Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Stiff Neck
Muscle Pain
Joint Pain
Swollen Joints
$

How soon do symptoms occur?
Symptoms usually begin within a month of exposure.

Does past infection with Lyme disease make a person immune?
Information available at present indicates that reinfection is possible.

What is the treatment for Lyme disease?
Current therapy includes the use of antibiotics.

What can be done to prevent the spread of Lyme disease?
Special precautions to prevent exposure to ticks should be used such as
wearing light colored clothing and tucking pants into socks and shirts into
pants. Repellents containing DEET applied to skin or clothing may prevent
tick attachment. Use repellents sparingly and with care, as they may cause
adverse reactions in some individuals. Avoid application to damaged or exposed
skin and avoid prolonged or excessive applications, especially in children.
If exposed to tick-infested areas, family members should check body surface
for attached ticks. The control of rodents around the home may be helpful.

How should a tick be removed?
To remove an attached tick, grasp with tweezers or forceps as close as
possible to attachment (skin) site, and pull upward and out with a firm and
steady pressure. If tweezers are not available, use fingers shielded with
tissue paper or rubber gloves. Do not handle with bare hands. Be careful
not to squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick which may contain
infectious fluids. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite
site and wash hands. See or call a doctor if there is a concern about
incomplete tick removal. It is important that a tick be removed as soon as
it is discovered. Check after every two to three hours of outdoor activity
for ticks attached to clothing or skin. If removal occurs within three hours
of attachment, the risk of tick-borne infection is reduced. Do not attempt
to remove ticks by using vaseline, lit cigarettes or other home remedies,
doing so may actually increase the chances of contracting a tick-borne
disease.
!
*
Lymphogranuloma Venereum     (LGV)

What is lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)?
LGV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection involving the lymph
glands in the genital area. It is caused by a specific strain of chlamydia.

Who gets LGV?
The incidence is highest among sexually active people living in tropical or
subtropical climates. It has also occurred in some areas of the southern
United States.

How is LGV spread?
The infection is spread by sexual contact.

What are the symptoms of LGV?

@
Painless Pimple or Lesion on Sexual Organs
Inflamed and Swollen Lymph Glands
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The onset of symptoms varies widely. The initial lesion may appear from three
to 30 days after exposure.

When and for how long is a person able to spread LGV?
An individual remains infectious as long as there are active lesions.

What is the treatment for LGV?
Treatment involves the use of certain antibiotics, specifically tetracycline
or sulfamethoxazole.

What can be done to prevent the spread of LGV?
There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of LGV:
        - Limit your number of sex partners.
        - Use a condom.
        - Carefully wash genitals after sexual relations.
        - If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit
          your local STD clinic, a hospital or your doctor.
        - Notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain
          examination and treatment.
!
*
Malaria

What is malaria?
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by any one of four different blood
parasites, called Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted to people by the
Anopheles mosquito. This disease is a leading cause of debilitating illness,
with over 200 million cases each year from around the world.

Who gets malaria?
Any person residing in or traveling to a country where malaria is prevalent
is at risk for contracting the disease. Malaria is currently a problem in
tropical or subtropical areas of Asia, Africa and Central and South America.
Most black Africans show a natural resistance to some species of malaria.
Otherwise, susceptibility to malaria is universal.

How is malaria spread?
Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. With certain
malaria species, dormant forms can be produced which may cause relapses of
malaria months to years later. Malaria may also be transmitted by transfusion
of blood from infected people or by the use of contaminated needles or
syringes.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

@
Fever
Chills
Sweats
Headache
Jaundice
Shock
Liver Failure
$

How soon do symptoms occur?
The time between the infective mosquito bite and the development of malaria
symptoms can range from 12 to 30 days depending on the type of Plasmodia
involved. One strain of Plasmodium, called P. vivax, may have a prolonged
incubation period of eight to 10 months. When infection occurs by blood
transfusion, the incubation period depends on the number of parasites
transferred but is usually less than two months.

When and for how long is a person able to spread malaria?
Untreated or inadequately treated cases may be a source of mosquito infection
for one to three years depending on the strain of Plasmodium. Direct person-
to-person transmission does not occur. Stored blood products can remain
infective for 16 days.

What is the treatment for malaria?
Due to the changing pattern of drug-resistant strains, current recommendations
can be obtained from your local, county or state health department.

What can be done to prevent the spread of malaria?
Since malaria is not native to the United States, exposure to American citizens
occurs most frequently during foreign travel to malarious areas. It is very impo
rtant to contact health officials to determine the proper preventive drug therap
y. The liberal and frequent use of mosquito repellents as well as using a bed ne
t can be very effective in preventing mosquito bites.
!
*

Measles

(rubeola, hard measles, red measles)

What is measles?
Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease capable of producing epidem
ics. Measles is more common in winter and spring. Approximately 1,000 cases occu
r in New York State each year, the majority in New York City.

Who gets measles?
Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted
 at any age. Generally, preschool children, adolescents, young adults and inadeq
uately immunized individuals comprise the majority of measles cases in the Unite
d States.

How is measles spread?
Measles is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected
people or, less frequently, by airborne transmission. Measles is one of the most
 readily transmitted communicable diseases.

What are the symptoms of measles?

@
Runny Nose
Cough
Slight Fever
Red Eyes
High Fever
Red Blotchy Rash
White Spots on Inside of Cheeks
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear in 10-12 days, although they may occur as early as eight
 or as late as 13 days after exposure.

When and for how long is a person able to spread measles?
An individual is able to transmit measles from five days prior to and five days
after rash onset.

Does past infection make a person immune?
Yes. Permanent immunity is acquired after contracting the disease.

What is the treatment for measles?
There is no specific treatment for measles.

What are the complications associated with measles?
Pneumonia occurs in up to 6 percent of reported cases and accounts for 60 percen
t of deaths attributed to measles. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) may
also occur. Other complications include middle ear infection and convulsions. Me
asles is more severe in infants and adults.

How can measles be prevented?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1957, who does not have a history of physicia
n-diagnosed measles or serologic confirmation of measles immunity, should receiv
e two doses of MMR vaccine for maximum protection. The first dose should be give
n at 15 months of age (at 12 months in New York City). The second dose should be
 given at four to six years of age (school entry) at the same time as the DTP an
d polio booster doses. MMR vaccine is recommended for all measles vaccine doses
to provide increased protection against all three vaccine-preventable diseases:
measles, mumps and rubella.
Measles immunization is required of all children enrolled in schools and prekind
ergarten programs. Effective August 1, 1990, college students will also be requi
red to demonstrate immunity against measles.
!
*
Meningococcal Meningitis     (spinal meningitis, cerebrospinal

                              fever, meningococcemia)

What is meningococcal meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream
and meninges (a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord). It is a
relatively rare disease and usually occurs as a single isolated event.
Clusters of cases or outbreaks are rare in the United States.

Who Gets it?
Anyone can get meningococcal meningitis, but it is more common in infants
and children.

How is the germ that causes this type of meningitis spread?
The meningococcus germ is spread by direct close contact with nose or
throat discharges of an infected person. Many people carry this particular
germ in their nose and throat without any signs of illness, while others may
develop serious symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

@
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Stiff Neck
Rash
$

How soon do the symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear two to 10 days after exposure, but usually within
five days.

When and for how long is an infected person able to spread the disease?
From the time a person is first infected until the germ is no longer present
in discharges from the nose and throat, he or she may transmit the disease.
The duration varies according to treatment used.

What is the treatment for meningococcal meningitis?
Certain antibiotics are very effective in eliminating the germ from the nose
and throat. Penicillin is the drug of choice for cases of meningitis.

Should people who have been in contact with a diagnosed case of meningococcal
meningitis be treated?

Only people who have been in close contact (household members, intimate
contacts, health care personnel performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, day
care center playmates, etc.) need to be considered for preventive treatment.
Such people are usually advised to obtain a prescription for rifampin or a
sulfa drug from their physician. Casual contact as might occur in a regular
classroom, office or factory setting is not usually significant enough to
cause concern.

Is there a vaccine to prevent meningococcal meningitis?
Presently, there is a vaccine that will protect against two of the strains
of meningococcus, but it is only recommended in outbreak situations or for
travel to areas of the world where high rates of the disease are known to
occur.
!
*
Infectious Mononucleosis     (mono, EBV mononucleosis)

What is infectious mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease that affects certain blood cells.
It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes
virus family. Most cases occur sporadically. Outbreaks are rare.

Who gets infectious mononucleosis?
While most people are exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus sometime in their
lives, very few go on to develop the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis.
In underdeveloped countries, people are exposed in early childhood where
they are likely to develop noticeable symptoms. In developed countries
such as the United States, the age of first exposure may be delayed to
older childhood and young adult age when symptoms are more likely to result.
For this reason, it is recognized more often in high school and college
students.

How is infectious mononucleosis spread?
The virus is spread by person-to-person contact, via saliva (on hands or toys,
or by kissing). In rare instances, the virus has been transmitted by blood
transfusion.

What are the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis?

@
Fever
Sore Throat
Swollen Glands
Feeling Tired
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms appear from four to six weeks after exposure.

When and for how long is a person able to spread infectious mononucleosis?
The virus is shed in the throat during the illness and for up to a year after
infection. After the initial infection, the virus tends to become dormant
for a prolonged period and can later reactivate and be shed from the throat
again.

What is the treatment for infectious mononucleosis?
No treatment other than rest is needed in the vast majority of cases.

What can a person do to minimize the spread of infectious mononucleosis?
Avoid activities involving the transfer of body fluids (commonly saliva) with
someone who is currently or recently infected with the disease. At present,
there is no vaccine available to prevent infectious mononucleosis.
!
*
Mumps                        (infectious parotitis)

What is mumps?
Mumps is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, swelling and
tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands. Approximately 100-200
cases are reported in New York State each year.

Who gets mumps?
Although older people may contract the disease, mumps usually occurs in
children between the ages of five and 15. Mumps occurs less regularly than
other common childhood communicable diseases. The greatest risk of infection
occurs among older children. Mumps is more common during winter and spring.

How is mumps spread?
Mumps is transmitted by direct contact with saliva and discharges from the
nose and throat of infected individuals.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

@
Fever
Swelling and Tenderness of Salivary Glands
$

How soon after infection do symptoms occur?
The incubation period is usually 16 to 18 days, although it may vary from
14 to 25 days.

What complications have been associated with mumps?
Swelling of the testicles occurs in 15-25 percent of infected males. Mumps
can cause central nervous system disorders such as encephalitis (inflammation
of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and
spinal column). Other complications include arthritis, kidney involvement,
inflammation of the thyroid gland and breasts and deafness.

When and for how long is a person able to spread mumps?
Mumps is contagious seven days prior to and nine days after the onset of
symptoms.  A person is most contagious 48 hours prior to the appearance of
symptoms.

Does past infection with mumps make a person immune?
Yes. Immunity acquired after contracting the disease is usually permanent.

Is there a vaccine for mumps?
Yes. Mumps vaccine is given on or after a child's first birthday, but is
recommended at 15 months of age if administered in combination with measles
and rubella vaccine. It is available by itself or in a one-shot combination
vaccine that protects against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR). The vaccine
is highly effective and one injection usually produces lifelong protection.

What can be done to prevent the spread of mumps?
The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible
level of immunization in the community. Children should not attend school
during their infectious period.
!
*
Mycoplasma Infection          (walking pneumonia, atypical pneumonia)

What is mycoplasma infection?
Mycoplasma infection refers to a respiratory illness caused by Mycoplasma
pneumoniae, a microscopic organism related to bacteria.

Who gets mycoplasma infection?
Anyone can get the disease, but it most often affects older children and
young adults.

When do mycoplasma infections occur?
Mycoplasma infections occur sporadically throughout the year. Wide-spread
community outbreaks may occur at intervals of 4 to 8 years; when this occurs,
mycoplasma infection is most common in  late summer and fall.

How is mycoplasma spread?
Mycoplasma is spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat
of infected persons when they cough and sneeze. Transmission is thought to
require prolonged close contact with an infected person. Spread in families,
schools, and institutions occurs slowly. The contagious period is probably
less than 10 days and occasionally longer.

What are the symptoms of mycoplasma infection?

@
Fever
Cough
Bronchitis
Sore Throat
Headache
Malaise
$

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
Symptoms generally begin 15-25 days after exposure. The  symptoms generally
develop slowly, over a period of two to four  days.

How is mycoplasma infection diagnosed?
Mycoplasma infection is usually diagnosed on the basis of typical symptoms.
A non-specific blood test ("cold agglutinins") is helpful in diagnosis, but
is not always positive. The use of more specific laboratory tests is often
limited to special outbreak investigations.

Does past infection with mycoplasma make a person immune?
Immunity after mycoplasma infection does occur, but is not life-long. Second
infections are known to occur, although they may be milder. The duration of
immunity is unknown.

What is the treatment for mycoplasma infection?
Antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline are effective treatments.
However, because mycoplasma infection is self-limited, antibiotic treatment
of mild symptoms is not essential.

What can be done to prevent the spread of mycoplasma?
At this time there are no vaccines for the prevention of  mycoplasma
infection and there are no reliably effective measuresfor control. As with
any respiratory disease, all persons should cover their face when coughing
or sneezing.
!
*

Pediculosis                  (head lice, body lice, pubic lice,
                              cooties, crabs)

What is pediculosis?
Pediculosis is an infestation of the hairy parts of the body or clothing with
the eggs, larvae or adults of lice. The crawling stages of this insect feed
on human blood which can result in severe itching. Head lice are usually
located on the scalp, crab lice in the pubic area and body lice along seams
of clothing which travel to the skin to feed.

Who gets pediculosis?
Anyone may become louse infested under suitable conditions of exposure.
Pediculosis is easily transmitted from person to person during direct contact.
Head lice infestations are frequently found in school settings or
institutions.  Crab lice infestations can be found among sexually active
individuals.  Body lice infestation can be found in people living in crowded,
unsanitary conditions where clothing is infrequently changed or laundered.

How is pediculosis spread?
For both head lice and body lice, transmission can occur during direct contact
with an infested individual. Sharing of clothing and combs or brushes may
also result in transmission of these insects. While other means are possible,
crab lice are most often transmitted through sexual contact.

What are the symptoms of pediculosis?

@
Itching or Scratching
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
It may take as long as two to three weeks or longer for a person to notice
the intense itching associated with this infestation.

For how long is a person able to spread pediculosis?
Pediculosis can be spread as long as lice or eggs remain alive on the
infested person or clothing.

What is the treatment for pediculosis?
Medicated shampoos or cream rinses containing lindane or pyrethrins are used
to kill lice. Products containing pyrethrins are available over-the-counter,
but those containing lindane are available only through a physician's
prescription.  Lindane is not recommended for infants, young children and
pregnant or lactating women.  Retreatment after seven to 10 days is
recommended to assure that no eggs have survived. Nit combs are available to
help remove nits from hair. Dose and duration of shampoo treatment should be
followed according to label instructions.

What can be done to prevent the spread of pediculosis?
Physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings, especially
clothing, headgear and bedding should be avoided. Health education on the
life history of lice, proper treatment and the importance of laundering
clothing and bedding in hot water (130-F for 20 minutes) or dry cleaning to
destroy lice and eggs is extremely valuable. In addition, regular direct
inspection of children for head lice, and when indicated, of body and
clothing, particularly of children in schools, institutions, nursing homes
and summer camps, is important.
!
*

Pertussis                    (whooping cough)

What is pertussis?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the
respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth,
nose and throat of an infected person.

Who gets pertussis?
Pertussis can occur at any age. Seventy-five percent of reported cases occur
in children under five years of age and 50 percent of these are in children
under one year of age.

How is pertussis spread?
Pertussis is primarily spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose
and throat of infected individuals. Frequently, older siblings who may be
harboring the bacteria in their nose and throat can bring the disease home and
infect an infant in the household.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?

@
Mild Upper Respiratory Infection
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Fever
Cough
Crowing or High Pitched Whoop Cough
Clear mucous discharge
$

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The incubation period is usually five to 10 days but may be as long as 21
days.

When and for how long is a person able to spread pertussis?
A person can transmit pertussis from seven days following exposure to three
weeks after the onset of coughing episodes. The period of communicability is
reduced to between five and seven days when antibiotic therapy is begun.

Does past infection with pertussis make a person immune?
One attack usually confers prolonged immunity.

What are the complications associated with pertussis?
Complications of pertussis may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, loss
of appetite, dehydration, seizures, encephalopathy (disorders of the brain),
apneicepisodes (brief cessation of breathing) and death.

What is the vaccine for pertussis?
The vaccine for pertussis is usually given in combination with diphtheria and
tetanus. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices recommend that DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
vaccine be given at two, four, six and 15 months of age and between four and
six years of age.

What can be done to prevent the spread of pertussis?
The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible
level of immunization in the community. Treatment of cases with certain
antibiotics such as erythromycin can shorten the contagious period.  People
who have or may have pertussis should stay away from young children and
infants until properly treated.
!
*

Poliomyelitis                (infantile paralysis, polio)

What is polio?
Polio is a viral disease which may affect the central nervous system. Since
polio immunization has become widespread, cases of polio are very rare.

Who gets polio?
Polio is more common in infants and young children and occurs under conditions
of poor hygiene. However, paralysis is more common and more severe when
infection occurs in older individuals. In exceedingly rare cases, oral polio
vaccine can cause paralytic polio in a person who receives the vaccine and in
a person who is a close contact of a vaccine recipient (one in every 8.1
million doses and one in every 5 million doses, respectively).

How is polio spread?
Polio is predominately spread through the feces.

What are the symptoms of polio?

@
Fever
Malaise
Headache
Nausea
vomiting
Muscle Pain
Stiffness in neck and Back
$

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The incubation period is usually six to 20 days for paralytic cases, with a
range of three to 35 days.

When and for how long is a person able to spread polio?
Patients are most infectious from seven to 10 days before and after the onset
of symptoms. However, patients are potentially contagious as long as the
virus is present in the throat and feces. The virus persists in the throat
for approximately one week after the onset of illness and is excreted in the
feces for several weeks or, occasionally, months.

Does past infection with polio make a person immune?
There are three types of polio virus. Lifelong immunity usually depends on
which type of virus a person contracts. Second attacks are rare and result
from infection with a polio virus of a different type than the first attack.

What is the treatment for polio?
There is presently no cure for polio. Treatment involves supportive care.

What are the complications associated with polio?
Complications include paralysis (most commonly of the legs). Paralysis of the
muscles of respiration and swallowing can be fatal.

Is there a vaccine for polio?
Two types of polio vaccine are available: trivalent oral polio vaccine (TOPV)
and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). The American Academy of Pediatrics and
the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that TOPV be given
at two, four and 15 months of age and between four and six years of age.

How can polio be prevented?
Maintaining high levels of polio immunization in the community is the single
most effective preventive measure.
!
*
Psittacosis                  (ornithosis, parrot fever)

What is psittacosis?
Psittacosis is an infectious disease usually transmitted to humans from birds
in the parrot family, turkeys and pigeons.

Who gets psittacosis?
Since this disease is spread by birds in the parrot family, it is occasionally
found in pet store workers and people who have recently purchased an infected
bird.  It may also be found in farmers and slaughterhouse workers who process
turkeys.

How is psittacosis spread?
Psittacosis is usually spread by inhaling dust from dried droppings from bird
cages and by handling infected birds in slaughterhouses. Human to human spread
has not been reported.

What are the symptoms of psittacosis?

@
Fever
Headache
Chills
Pneumonia
$

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The incubation period may range from four to 15 days but is usually 10 days.

Does past infection with psittacosis make a person immune?
Infection does not provide permanent immunity from this disease.

What is the treatment for psittacosis?
Antibiotics such as tetracycline are often prescribed.

What can be the effect of not being treated for psittacosis?
The disease may be severe, and result in a high death rate especially in
untreated older people.

What can be done to prevent the spread of psittacosis?
If birds are kept as pets, clean the cage often so that fecal material does
not accumulate, dry up and become airborne. Current laws require that members
of the parrot family that are imported from foreign countries be kept in a
bird quarantine station prior to sale. During the  quarantine, they are given
feed containing tetracycline to reduce the risk of infection, but the
duration of treatment is generally shorter than the 45 days necessary to
completely treat the bird.  Therefore, federal health authorities have
recently recommended that breeders and importers ensure that all domestic
nestlings and imported birds receive the special tetracycline feed for 45
continuous days in order to prevent the spread of psittacosis from birds to
humans.
!
*
Rabies                       (hydrophobia)

What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system. It is
transmitted from infected mammals to man and is invariably fatal once
symptoms appear.  For tunately, only a few cases are reported each year in
the United States.

Who gets rabies?
All warm blooded mammals including man are susceptible to rabies.

How is rabies spread?
Rabies is almost always contracted by exposure to a rabid animal. The
exposure is usually through a bite, but scratches and saliva contact with
broken skin are also possible routes.

What are the symptoms of rabies?

@
Irritability
Headaeche
Fever
Itching
Paralysis
Throat Muscle Spasms
Convulsions
Delirium
$

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The incubation period is variable but is normally two to eight weeks.
Incubation periods of over one year have been reported.

When and for how long is a person able to spread rabies?
Person to person transmission is extremely rare, however, precautions should
be taken to prevent exposure to the saliva of the diseased person.

What is the treatment for rabies?
Treatment requires prompt scrubbing of the bite site, followed by the
administration of rabies immune globulin (dosage dependent on weight) and
five doses of human diploid cell rabies vaccine administered in the arm on
days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after exposure.

What happens if rabies exposure goes untreated?
Exposure of man to a rabid animal does not always result in rabies. If
preventive treatment is obtained promptly following a rabies exposure, most
cases of rabies will be prevented. Untreated cases will invariably result in
death.

What can be done to prevent the spread of rabies?
Exposure to rabies may be minimized by removing all stray dogs and cats,
having all pets vaccinated and staying away from all wild animals especially
those acting abnormally.
!
*
Ringworm

What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that can affect the scalp,
skin, fingers, toe nails or foot.

Who gets ringworm?
Anyone can get ringworm. Children may be more susceptible to certain
varieties while adults may be more affected with other varieties.

How are ringworm infections spread?
Transmission of these fungal agents can occur by direct skin-to-skin contact
with infected people or pets, or indirectly by contact with items such as
barber clippers, hair from infected people, shower stalls or floors.

What are the symptoms of ringworm infections?

@
Small pimple
Hair Brittle and Breaks easily
Yellowish Cuplike Crusty Area
Scaling and Cracking of Skin
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The incubation period is unknown for most of these agents, however ringworm
of the scalp is usually seen 10 to 14 days after contact and ringworm of the
body is seen four to 10 days after initial contact.

Does infection with ringworm make a person immune?
Since so many species of fungus can cause ringworm, infection with one
species will not make a person immune to future infections.

What is the treatment for ringworm infections?
Your doctor may prescribe a fungicidal material to swallow as tablets or
powders that can be applied directly to the affected areas. Griseofulvin
is commonly prescribed for treating fungus infections.

What can be done to prevent the spread of ringworm?
Towels, hats and clothing of the infected individual should not be shared
with others. Young children who are infected should minimize close contact
with other children until effectively treated. When multiple cases occur,
seek advice from your local health department.
!
*

Rocky Mountain Spotted
   Fever                     (tick-borne typhus fever)

What is rocky mountain spotted fever?
Rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by a rickettsial
organism transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected American dog tick,
Dermacentor variabilis, and frequently by other tick species. Fewer than
50 cases are reported annually in New York State.

Who gets RMSF?
In the eastern United States, children are infected most frequently, while
in the western United States, disease incidence is highest among adult males.
Disease incidence is directly related to the exposure to tick-infested
habitats or to infested pets.

How is RMSF spread?
RMSF is spread by the bite of an infected tick (the American dog tick, the
lone-star tick or the wood tick), or by contamination of the skin with tick
blood or feces. Person to person spread of RMSF does not occur.

What are the symptoms of RMSF?

@
Fever
Severe Headache
Fatigue
Deep Muscle Pain
Chills
Rash
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of the bite of an infected tick.

Does past infection with RMSF make a person immune?
One attack probably provides permanent immunity.

What is the treatment for RMSF?
Certain antibiotics such as tetracycline or chloramphenical may be effective
in treating the disease.

What can be done to prevent the spread of RMSF?
Frequent checking of clothing and skin when in infested areas is extremely
useful in reducing potential incidence of disease. Tick repellents applied to
legs and clothing may be helpful to prevent tick attachment. Due to the
nature of American dog ticks, local populations may be effectively controlled
with applications of pesticides to vegetation along trails; mowing grass
frequently in yard and outside fences also helps to reduce tick populations.

How should a tick be removed?
To remove an attached tick, grasp with tweezers or forceps as close as
possible to attachment (skin) site, and pull upward and out with a firm and
steady pressure.  If tweezers are not available, use fingers shielded with
tissue paper or rubber gloves. Do not handle with bare hands.  Be careful not
to squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick which may contain
infectious fluids.  After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite
site and wash hands.  See or call a physician if there is concern about
incomplete tick removal.  It is important that a tick be removed as soon as
it is discovered.  Check after every two to three hours of outdoor activity
for ticks attached to clothing or skin.  If removal occurs within three hours
after attachment, the risk of tick-borne infection is reduced.
!
*
Salmonellosis

What is salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that generally affects the intestinal
tract and occasionally the bloodstream. It is one of the more common causes
of gastroenteritis with several thousand cases occurring in New York State
each year.  Most cases occur in the summer months and are seen as single
cases, clusters or outbreaks.

Who gets salmonellosis?
Any person can get salmonellosis, but it is recognized more often in infants
and children.

How are salmonella bacteria spread?
Salmonella are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by
contact with infected people or animals.

What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?

@
Diarrhea
Fever
Vomiting
$

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure.

Where are salmonella found?
Salmonella are widely distributed in our food chain and environment.  The
organisms often contaminate raw meats, eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese
products.  Other sources of exposure may include contact with infected pet
turtles, pet chicks, dogs and cats.

For how long can an infected person carry the salmonella germ?
The carrier stage varies from several days to many months. Infants and people
who have been treated with oral antibiotics tend to carry the germ longer
than others.

Do infected people need to be isolated or excluded from work or school?
Since salmonella are in the feces, only people with active diarrhea who are
unable to control their bowel habits (infants, young children, certain
handicapped individuals, for example) should be isolated. Most infected
people may return to work or school when their stools become formed provided
that they carefully wash their hands after toilet visits. Food handlers,
health care workers and children in day care must obtain the approval of the
local or state health department before returning to their routine activities.

What is the treatment for salmonellosis?
Most people with salmonellosis will recover on their own or require fluids to
prevent dehydration. Antibiotics and antidiarrhea drugs are generally not
recommended for typical cases with intestinal infections.

How can salmonellosis be prevented?
1. Always treat raw poultry, beef and pork as if they are contaminated and
handle accordingly:
        - Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood
          from dripping on other foods.
        - Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize holding at room temperature.
        - Cutting boards and counters used for preparation should be washed
          immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other
          foods.
        - Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats.
        - Ensure that the correct internal cooking temperature is reached
          particularly when using a microwave.
2. Avoid eating raw eggs or undercooking foods containing raw eggs.
3. Avoid using raw milk.
4. Encourage careful handwashing before and after food preparation.
5. Make sure children, particularly those who handle pets, attend to
handwashing.
!
*

Scabies

What is scabies?
Scabies is a fairly common infectious disease of the skin caused by a mite.
Scabies mites burrow into the skin producing pimple-like irritations or
burrows.

Who gets scabies?
Scabies infestations can affect people from all socioeconomic levels without
regard to age, sex, race or standards of personal hygiene.  Clusters of cases,
or outbreaks, are occasionally seen in nursing homes, institutions and child
care centers.

How is scabies spread?
Scabies mites are transferred by direct skin-to-skin contact. Indirect
transfer from undergarments or bedclothes can occur only if these have been
contaminated by infected people immediately beforehand. Scabies can also be
transmitted during sexual contact.

What are the symptoms of scabies?

@
Intense Itching
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms will appear from two to six weeks in people who have not previously
been exposed to scabies infestations. People who have had a previous bout with
scabies mites may show symptoms within one to four days after subsequent
re-exposures.

When and or how long is a person able to spread scabies?
A person is able to spread scabies until mites and eggs are destroyed by
treatment.

What is the treatment for scabies?
Skin lotions containing permethrin, lindane or crotamiton are available
through a physician's prescription for the treatment of scabies. The lotions
are applied to the whole body except the head and neck. Sometimes, itching may
persist but should not be regarded as treatment failure or reinfestation.
Symptomatic individuals should be treated with a second course of lotion 7
to 10 days later followed by a cleansing bath eight hours after application and
a change to fresh clothing.

What can be done to prevent the spread of scabies?
Avoid physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings,
especially clothing and bedding. Health education on the life history of
scabies, proper treatment and the need for early diagnosis and treatment
of infested individuals and contacts is extremely important.
!
*

Shigellosis

What is shigellosis?
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection affecting the intestinal tract. It is a
fairly common disease.

Who gets shigellosis?
Anyone can get shigellosis but it is recognized more often in young children.
Those who may be at greater risk include children in day care centers, foreign
travelers to certain countries, institutionalized people and active
homosexuals.

How is the shigella germ spread?
Shigella germs are found in the intestinal tract of infected people who in
turn may contaminate food or water. The shigella germ is spread by eating or
drinking contaminated food or water or by direct contact with an infected
person.

What are the symptoms?

@
Diarrhea
Blood in Stool
Fever
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear one to seven days after exposure but usually within
two to three days.

When and for how long is a person able to spread shigellosis?
Most people pass shigella in their feces (stool) for one to two weeks.
Certain antibiotics may shorten the carrier phase.

Should infected people be isolated or excluded from school or work?
Since the germ is passed in the feces of an infected person, people with
active diarrhea or those who are unable to control their bowel habits should
be isolated.  Most infected people may return to work or school when their
diarrhea ceases, provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet
visits.  Food handlers, children in day care and health care workers must
obtain the approval of the local or state health department before returning
to their routine activities.

How is shigellosis treated?
Most people with shigellosis will recover on their own. Some may require
fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat
severe cases or to shorten the carrier phase which may be important for food
handlers, children in day care or institutionalized individuals.

What can be done to prevent the spread of shigellosis?
Since germs are passed in feces, the single most important prevention
activity is careful handwashing after using the toilet.
!
*

Shingles                     (herpes zoster)

What is shingles?
Shingles is a localized infection due to the varicella-zoster virus, the same
virus that causes chickenpox. It occurs only in people who have had
chickenpox in the past and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella
virus.  Why the virus reactivates in some individuals and not in others is
unknown.

Who gets shingles?
The disease is primarily seen in the elderly, but occasionally occurs in
younger individuals. It affects both sexes and all races with equal frequency
and occurs sporadically throughout the year.

How is shingles spread?
A person must have already had chickenpox in the past to develop shingles.
Contact with an infected individual does not cause another person's dormant
virus to reactivate. However, the virus from a shingles patient may cause
chickenpox in someone who has not had it before.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

@
Tingling feeling on Skin
Itchiness
Stabbing Pain
Rash
Raised Dots
Blisters
$

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The virus lies dormant in someone who has had chickenpox in the past. It can
reactivate many years later.

When and for how long is a person able to spread shingles?
A person exposed to a patient with shingles will not get shingles but may get
chickenpox. The virus is present at the site of the rash and is contagious
for a week after the appearance of lesions (blisters).

Does past infection make a person immune?
Yes. Most people who have shingles have only one episode with the disease in
their lifetime. Those with impaired immune systems (people with AIDS, cancer
or leukemia, for example) may suffer repeated attacks.

What are the complications associated with shingles?
Shingles is not usually dangerous to healthy individuals although it can
cause great misery during an attack. Anyone with shingles on the upper half of
their face, no matter how mild, should seek medical care at once.  There is
some danger that the virus could cause damage to the eye resulting in
blindness.  Complications are rare but may include partial facial paralysis
(usually temporary), ear damage or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

What is the treatment for shingles?
Most cases of shingles resolve on their own without specific treatment.  Two
medications available for use by physicians in treating immunocompromised
patients are vidarabine and acyclovir.

What can be to done prevent the spread of shingles?
Chickenpox must be prevented in order to prevent shingles. A vaccine for
chicken pox is under development and it is hoped that immunized individuals
will be less likely to develop shingles in later life.
!
*

Swimmer's Itch               (cercarial dermatitis, schistosome dermatitis)

What is swimmer's itch?
Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by certain parasites of birds and
mammals.  These parasites are released from infected snails and migrate
through waters including those used for recreational swimming.  Cases of
swimmer's itch have been reported from all parts of New York State.

Who gets swimmer's itch?
People who swim or wade in infested water may experience this itching rash.
All age groups and both sexes can be involved, but children are most often
infected due to their habits of swimming or wading in the water and playing
on the beach as the water evaporates from the skin.

How is swimmer's itch spread?
The victim may get the infection by swimming or wading in infested water and
then allowing water to evaporate off the skin rather than regularly drying
the skin with a towel. Person to person spread does not occur.

What are the symptoms of swimmer's itch?

@
Tingling when water evaporates off skin
Itching
$

How soon do the symptoms begin?
A victim's first exposure to infested water may not result in the itchy rash.
Repeated exposure increases a person's sensitivity to the parasite and
increases the likelihood of rash development.  Symptoms may appear within one
to two hours of exposure.

What is the treatment for swimmer's itch?
While all cases do not require treatment, some people may seek relief by
applying specific skin lotions or creams to minimize the itching.

What can be done to prevent the spread of swimmer's itch?
Toweling off after swimming or wading in infested water can be very helpful
in preventing rash development. Communities may apply through the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation for a permit to apply specific
chemicals to kill the migrating snails.  Copper sulfate or copper carbonate
materials can be applied by boat around popular bathing areas.  If properly
timed, these applications may prevent the annual migration of infested snails
into swimming areas.
!
*

Syphilis

What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection, primarily a sexually transmitted disease
(STD).

Who gets syphilis?
Any sexually active person can be infected with syphilis, although there is a
greater incidence among young people between the ages of 15 and 30 years.  It
is more prevalent in urban than rural areas.

How is syphilis spread?
Syphilis is spread by sexual contact with an infected individual, with the
exception of congenital syphilis, which is spread from mother to fetus.
Transmission by sexual contact requires exposure to moist lesions of skin or
mucous membranes.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

@
Sores
Swollen Glands
Rash
Tiredness
Fever
Sore Throat
Headaches
Hoarseness
Loss of Appetite
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms can appear from 10 to 90 days after a person becomes infected, but
usually within three to four weeks. Symptoms are often not noticed or are
thought to be minor abrasions or heat rash and medical care is not sought.

When and for how long is a person able to spread syphilis?
Syphilis is considered to be communicable for a period of up to two years,
possibly longer. The extent of communicability depends on the existence of
infectious lesions (sores) which may or may not be visible.

Does past infection with syphilis make a person immune?
There is no natural immunity to syphilis and past infection offers no
protection to the patient.

What is the treatment for syphilis?
Syphilis is treated with penicillin or tetracycline. The amount of treatment
depends on the stage of syphilis the patient is in. Pregnant women with a
history of allergic reaction to penicillin should undergo penicillin
desensitization followed by appropriate penicillin therapy.

What are the complications associated with syphilis?
Untreated syphilis can lead to destruction of soft tissue and bone, heart
failure, insanity, blindness and a variety of other conditions which may be
mild to incapacitating.  More important, a female with untreated syphilis
will transmit the disease to her unborn child, which may result in death or
deformity of the child.  Physicians and hospitals are required to test
pregnant females for syphilis at prenatal visits. Tests of newborns or their
mothers are required at the time of delivery.

What can be done to prevent the spread of syphilis?
There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of syphilis:
        - Limit your number of sex partners.
        - Use a condom.
        - Carefully wash genitals after sexual relations.
        - If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit
          your local STD clinic, a hospital or your doctor.
        - Notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain
          examination and treatment.
        - All pregnant women should receive at least one prenatal blood test
          for syphilis.
!
*

Tuberculosis                 (TB)

What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease usually affecting the lungs (pulmonary
TB).  Other parts of the body can also be affected, for example, Iymph nodes,
kidneys, bones, joints, etc. (extrapulmonary TB).

Who gets tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis can affect anyone of any age. Immunocompromised individuals such
as those with AIDS (or those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus -
HIV) are at increased risk.

How is tuberculosis spread?
Tuberculosis is spread through the air. When a person with tuberculosis, who
is not taking tuberculosis medication, coughs or sneezes, the germs get into
the air.  Prolonged exposure to the tuberculosis organisms is normally
necessary for infection to occur.

What is the difference between tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis
disease?
Tuberculosis infection may result after close contact with a person who has
tuberculosis disease. Tuberculosis infection is determined by a significant
reaction to the mantoux skin test with no symptoms of tuberculosis, and no TB
organisms found in the sputum.
  Tuberculosis disease is characterized by the appearance of symptoms, a
significant reaction to a mantoux skin test and organisms found in the sputum.
In order to spread the TB germs, a person must have TB disease. Having TB
infection is not enough to spread the germ. Tuberculosis may last for a
lifetime as an infection, never developing into disease.

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

@
Low Fever
Night Sweats
Fatigue
Weight Loss
Persistent Cough
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Most people infected with the germ that causes TB never develop active TB.
If active TB does develop, it can occur two to three months after infection
or years later.  The risk of active disease lessens as time passes.

When and for how long is a person able to spread tuberculosis?
A person with TB disease may remain contagious until he/she has been on
appropriate treatment for several weeks. However, a person with TB infection,
but not disease, cannot spread the infection to others, since there are no TB
germs in the sputum.

What is the treatment for tuberculosis?
Preventive:     People infected with TB should be evaluated for a course of
preventive therapy, which usually includes taking an antituberculosis
medication for six to 12 months. The exact preventive therapy plan must be
determined by a physician.
Curative:       People with active TB disease must complete a course of
curative therapy, which usually includes taking two or more antituberculosis
medications for a minimum of six months. The exact medication plan must be
determined by a physician.
What medical conditions increase the risk of developing active TB disease
once TB infection has occurred?
HIV infection, when it occurs in tandem with TB infection, is the strongest
factor in the development of TB disease.
People with medical risk factors which increase the chance of developing TB
disease, once TB infection has occurred, should be skin tested for TB. Their
skin test results should be clearly noted in their medical record. These
medical risk factors include: diabetes mellitus, prolonged corticosteroid
therapy, immunosuppressive therapy, cancer, silicosis and being 10 percent
or more below ideal body weight.

What can be the effect of not being treated for tuberculosis?
In addition to spreading the disease to others, an untreated person may
become severely ill or die.

What can be done to prevent the spread of tuberculosis?
The most important way to stop the spread of tuberculosis is to cover the
mouth and nose when coughing, and to take the prescribed medicine as directed.

What is multiple drug resistant tuberculosis?
This refers to the ability of some strains of TB to grow and multiply even in
the presence of certain drugs which would normally kill them.

Who gets multiple drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)?
People who have been exposed to a case of MDR-TB, especially if they are
immunocompromised, are at the risk for developing MDR-TB. Other people who
may develop drug resistant tuberculosis include TB patients who have failed
to take antituberculosis medications as prescribed, TB patients who have been
prescribed an ineffective treatment plan and people who have been treated
previously for TB.

What is the treatment for multiple drug resistant tuberculosis?
For patients with disease due to drug resistant organisms, expert
consultation from a specialist in treating drug resistant TB should be
obtained. Patients with drug resistant disease should be treated with a
minimum of two or three drugs to which their organisms are susceptible.
  It is presently unknown whether preventive therapy can effectively prevent
the development of active TB disease in people who are infected with MDR-TB
strains.
  Immunocompromised people who are infected with MDR-TB are currently being
treated with two drugs to which the strain is likely to be susceptible.
Recommendations concerning preventive therapy for people who have been
infected with MDR-TB are being developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control (CDC).

What can be done to prevent the spread of MDR tuberculosis?
The most important ways to stop the spread of MDR-TB include educating the TB
patient to cover the mouth and nose when coughing, providing adequate
treatment for people with MDR-TB and providing directly observed
administration of antituberculosis medications for people who are unwilling
or unable to comply with prescribed drug plans.
!
*

Tetanus                      (lockjaw)

What is tetanus?
Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is a bacterial disease that affects the
nervous system.  Due to widespread immunization, tetanus is now a rare
disease.

Who gets tetanus?
Tetanus occurs more often in older people and in agricultural workers where
contact with animal manure is more likely and immunization is inadequate.

How is tetanus spread?
Tetanus is contracted through a wound which becomes contaminated with the
organism. It is not transmitted from person to person.

Where is the tetanus germ found?
The tetanus germ is present throughout the environment and is commonly found
in soil contaminated with manure.

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

@
Muscular Stiffness of Jaw
Stiffness of Neck
Difficulty Swallowing
Rigidity of Abdominal Muscles
Spasms
Sweating
Fever
$

How soon after infection do symptoms occur?
The incubation period is usually eight days but may range from three days to
three weeks.  Shorter incubation periods are associated with more heavily
contaminated wounds.

Does past infection with tetanus make a person immune?
Recovery from tetanus may not result in immunity. Second attacks can occur
and immunization is indicated after recovery.

What is the treatment for tetanus?
Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned, and dead or devitalized tissue removed.
If the patient has not had a tetanus toxoid booster in the previous 10 years, a
single booster injection should be administered on the day of injury.  For
severe wounds, a booster may be given if more than five years have elapsed
since the last dose.  Tetanus immune globulin (TIG), antitoxin or antibiotics
may be given if the patient has not been previously immunized with a series
of at least three doses of toxoid.

What are the complications associated with tetanus?
Complications include spasm of the vocal cords and/or spasms of the
respiratory muscles causing interference with breathing. Other complications
include fractures of the spine or long bones, hypertension, abnormal
heartbeats, coma, generalized infection, clotting in the blood vessels of the
lung, pneumonia and death.

Is there a vaccine for tetanus?
An effective vaccine called tetanus toxoid has been available for many years.
Tetanus toxoid in combination with diphtheria toxoid and pertussis vaccine
(DTP) is given at two, four, six and 15 months of age, and between four and
six years of age. Children who are seven years of age or older should receive
Td (tetanus and diphtheria) toxoid. A tetanus booster shot is recommended
every 10 years.

What can be done to prevent the spread of tetanus?
The single most important preventive measure is to maintain a high level of
immunization in the community.
!
*

Trichinosis

What is trichinosis?
Trichinosis is a foodborne disease caused by a microscopic parasite.

Who gets trichinosis?
Anyone who eats undercooked meat of infected animals can develop trichinosis.
Pork products are implicated more often than other meats.

How is trichinosis spread?
Animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, rats and many wild animals including fox,
wolf and polar bear may harbor the parasite. When parasites are passed in the
feces, they infect new animals. When humans eat infected pork that has been
improperly cooked, they become infected. Improperly cooked wild animal meat
may also be responsible for infecting humans. Person-to-person spread does
not occur.

What are the symptoms of trichinosis?

@
Fever
Muscle Soreness
Pain and Swelling of Eyes
Thirst
Profuse Sweating
Chills
Fatigue
Chest Pain
$

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The incubation period varies depending upon the number of parasites in the
meat and the amount eaten. It can range from five to 45 days but is usually
10 to 14 days.

Does past infection with trichinosis make a person immune?
Partial immunity may develop from infection.

What is the treatment for trichinosis?
A drug called mebendazole is used in treatment.

What can be the effect of not being treated for trichinosis?
Failure to treat could be fatal.

What can be done to prevent the spread of trichinosis?
The best prevention is to make sure that pork products are properly cooked.
The desirable temperature is at least 150-F. Storing infected meat in a
freezer with a temperature no higher than -13-F for 10 days will also destroy
the parasite.
!
*
Typhoid Fever

What is typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract and
occasionally the bloodstream. It is an uncommon disease with only 30---50
cases occurring in New York each year.  Most of the cases are acquired during
foreign travel to underdeveloped countries.  The germ that causes typhoid is
a unique human strain of salmonella called Salmonella typhi.  Outbreaks are
rare.

Who gets typhoid fever?
Anyone can get typhoid fever but the greatest risk exists to travelers
visiting countries where the disease is common. Occasionally, local cases can
be traced to exposure to a person who is a chronic carrier.

How is the germ spread?
Typhoid germs are passed in the feces and, to some extent, the urine of
infected people.  The germs are spread by eating or drinking water or foods
contaminated by feces from the infected individual.

What are the symptoms?

@
Fever
Headache
Constipation
Diarrhea
Rose Colored Spots
Enlarged Spleen and Liver
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms generally appear one to three weeks after exposure.

For how long can an infected person carry the typhoid germ?
The carrier stage varies from a number of days to years. Only about 3 percent
of cases go on to become lifelong carriers of the germ and this tends to
occur more often in adults than in children.

How is typhoid treated?
Specific antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, ampicillin or ciprofloxacin are
often used to treat cases of typhoid.

Should infected people be isolated?
Because the germ is passed in the feces of infected people, only people with
active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (infants,
certain handicapped individuals) should be isolated. Most infected people may
return to work or school when they have recovered, provided that they
carefully wash hands after toilet visits.  Children in day care and other
sensitive settings must obtain the approval of the local or state health
department before returning to their routine activities.  Food handlers may
not return to work until three consecutive negative stool cultures are
confirmed.

Is there a vaccine for typhoid?
A vaccine is available but is generally reserved for people traveling to
underdeveloped countries where significant exposure may occur. Strict
attention to food and water precautions while traveling to such countries is
the most effective preventive method.
!
*
Viral Meningitis             (nonbacterial meningitis)

What is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is an infection of the meninges (a thin lining covering
the brain and spinal cord) by any one of a number of different viruses. It is
a fairly common disease.

Who gets viral meningitis?
Anyone can get viral meningitis but it occurs most often in children.

Which viruses cause this form of meningitis?
Approximately half of the cases in the United States are due to common
entero (intestinal) viruses. Occasionally, children will have viral
meningitis associated with mumps or herpes virus infection.  Mosquito-borne
viruses also account for a few cases each year. In many cases, the specific
virus cannot be identified.

How are the viruses that cause viral meningitis spread?
Because a number of different viruses are capable of causing viral meningitis,
the manner in which the virus is spread depends upon the type of virus
involved.  Some are spread by person-to-person contact; others can be spread
by insects.

What are the symptoms?

@
Fever
Headache
Stiff Neck
Fatigue
Rash
Sore Throat
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms generally appear within one week of exposure.

Is a person with viral meningitis contagious?
Some of the enteroviruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious while
others, such as mosquito-borne viruses, cannot be spread from person to
person.  Fortunately, most people exposed to these viruses experience mild or
no symptoms. Most people are exposed to these viruses at some time in their
lives, but few actually develop meningitis.

Should a person with viral meningitis be isolated?
Strict isolation is not necessary. Since most cases are due to enteroviruses
that may be passed in the stool, people diagnosed with viral meningitis
should be instructed to thoroughly wash their hands after using the toilet.

How is viral meningitis treated?
There are no specific medicines or antibiotics used to treat viral meningitis.
!
*

Yersiniosis

What is yersiniosis?
Yersiniosis is a bacterial disease that generally affects the intestinal
tract.
It is a relatively uncommon disease and usually occurs as a single isolated
event. Occasional outbreaks have been reported due to a common exposure.

Is it a new disease?
No. The germs that cause yersiniosis have been around for many years. Only in
recent years has it been recognized as an important, although uncommon,
infection. Because it is uncommon, many laboratories do not routinely perform
the specific tests needed to identify it.

Who gets it?
Any person can get yersiniosis but it occurs more often in children.

How is it spread?
The yersinia germ is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water
or by contact with an infected person or animal.

What are the symptoms?

@
Diarrhea
Fever
Abdominal Cramps
Mimics Appendicitis
$

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms generally appear three to seven days after exposure.

Where are the yersinia germs found?
Animals are the main source of yersinia. Fecal wastes from animals may
contaminate water, milk and foods and become a source of infection for people
or other animals. The germ has been found in raw milk, lakes and streams, ice
cream, improperly pasteurized chocolate milk, tofu, shellfish and wild and
domestic animals.

How long can an infected person carry the germ?
The germ is passed in the feces during the time the person is experiencing
diarrhea and in some cases for a few weeks or months afterward. For this
reason, infected people must be very careful to thoroughly wash their hands
after each toilet visit.

How is yersiniosis treated?
Most cases recover on their own without treatment. Those with severe symptoms
or bloodstream infections are generally treated with antibiotics.

How can yersiniosis be prevented?
Avoid drinking raw milk and improperly treated surface water.
!
*

AIDS

What is AIDS                                              ?
A MAJOR FAILURE OF THE BODY'S IMMUNE SYSTEM (IMMUNODEFICIENCY).  THIS
DECREASES THE BODY'S ABILITY TO FIGHT INFECTION AND SUPPRESS
MULTIPLICATION OF ABNORMAL CELLS, SUCH AS CANCER.

Body Areas Affected:
THE IMMUNCE SYSTEM INCLUDING LYMPHOCYTES AND BONE MARROW, SPLEEN, LIVER
AND LYMPH GLANDS.

Symptoms:

@
RECURRENT RESPIRATORY AND SKIN INFECTIONS
FATIGUE
DIARRHEA
UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS
FEVER
SWOLLEN LYMPH GLANDS THROUGHOUT THE BODY
ENLARGED SPLEEN
$

Causes:
RETROVIRUS

Prevention:
AVOID SEXUAL CONTACT WITH AFFECTED PERSONS. USE CONDOMS FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY
WITH HOMOSEXUAL PARTNERS.
AVOID INTRAVENOUS SELF ADMINISTERED DRUGS
IF YOU HAVE AIDS DON'T DONATE BLOOD TO BLOOD BANKS.
!
*

HEMOPHILIA

What is HEMOPHILIA                                        ?
AN INHERITED DEFICIENCY OF A BLOOD CLOTTING FACTOR THAT RESULTS IN DANGEROUS
BLEEDING.

Body Areas Affected:
ALL BODY PARTS

Symptoms:

@
PAINFUL SWOLLEN JOINTS OR SWELLING IN THE LEG OR ARM WHEN BLEEDING OCCURS
FREQUENT BRUISES
EXCESSIVE BLEEDING FROM MINOR CUTS
SPONTANEOUS NOSEBLEEDS
BLOOD IN THE URINE
$

Causes:
THE DEFICIENCY OF A COAGULATION FACTOR PASSED BY A FEMALE TO MALE CHILD

Prevention:
CANNOT BE PREVENTED
!
*

HYPERTENSION

What is HYPERTENSION                                      ?
AN INCREASE IN THE FORCE AGAINST ARTERIES AS BLOOD CIRCULATES THROUGH
THEM.  HYPERTENSION IS SOMETIMES CALLED THE SILENT KILLER BECAUSE
IT OFTEN HAS NO SYMPTOMS IN THE EARLY STAGES.

Body Areas Affected:
HEART ; BLOOD VESSELS ; KIDNEYS AND EYES

Symptoms:

@
HEADACHE
DROWSINESS
CONFUSION
NUMBNESS AND TINGLING IN THE HANDS AND FEET
COUGHING BLOOD
SEVERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH
$

Causes:
KIDNEY DISEASE, TUMORS OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS, HARDENING OF ARTERIES, UNKNOWN

Prevention:
CANNOT BE PREVENTED BUT DIET, EXERCISE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT AND
MEDICATION CAN USUALLY PREVENT COMPLICATIONS
!
*

IRITIS

What is IRITIS                                            ?
INFLAMMATION OF THE TISSUES THAT SUPPORT THE IRIS (THE RING OF
COLORED TISSUE AROUND THE PUPIL OF THE EYE).

Body Areas Affected:
EYE

Symptoms:

@
SEVERE EYE PAIN
PHOTOPHOBIA (SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT)
EYE REDNESS
SMALLER PUPIL IN THE AFFECTED EYE
TEARS
BLURRED VISION
FLOATING SPOTS IN THE FIELD OF VISION
$

Causes:
TOXOPLASMOSIS, TUBERCULOSIS, HISTOPLASMOSIS, SYPHILIS, VIRUSES, INJURY

Prevention:
NON
!
*

EPILEPSY

What is EPILEPSY                                          ?
A DISORDER OF BRAIN FUNCTION CHARACTERIZED BY SUDDEN SEIZURES, BRIEF
ATTACKS OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR, CHANGE IN ONE'S STATE OF
CONSCIOUSNESS OR BIZARRE MOVEMENTS.  SEIZURES - ALSO CALLED FITS OR
CONVULSIONS - ARE A SYMPTOM, NOT A DISEASE.  EPILEPSY IS NOT CONTAGIOUS.

Body Areas Affected:
BRAIN

Symptoms:

@
STOPS ACTIVITY AND STARES BLANKLY AROUND FOR A MINUTE OR SO
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, STIFFENS, TWITCHES AND JERKS UNCONTROLLABLY
LOSS OF BLADDER CONTROL
DEEP SLEEP OR MENTAL CONFUSION
SMALL PART OF BODY STARTS TWITCHING AND SPREADS TO OTHER PARTS
SUDDENLY VIOLENT OR ANGRY
LAUGHING FOR NO REASON
AGITATED OR BIZARRE BODY MOVEMENTS
$

Causes:
BRAIN DAMAGE, DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE, SEVERE HEAD INJURY, BRAIN INFECTION, TUMOR

Prevention:
NON
!
*

SCOLIOSIS

What is SCOLIOSIS                                         ?
A PAINLESS, PROGRESSIVE BENDING AND TWISTING OF THE UPPER SPINAL COLUMN
WHICH EVENTUALLY DISTORTS THE CHEST AND BACK

Body Areas Affected:
SPINAL VERTEBRAE BONES

Symptoms:

@
VISIBLE CURVING OF THE UPPER BODY
THE SPINE BECOMES S SHAPED AND SHOULDER BECOME UNEVEN
$

Causes:
DISEASE OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, UNKNOWN, POLIO, CONGENITAL DEFECT IN SPINE

Prevention:
NON
!
*

HEARTBURN

What is HEARTBURN                                         ?
DISCOMFORT IN THE UPPER DIGESTIVE TRACT.  HEARTBURN IS A SYMPTOM NOT A
DISEASE - AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HEART

Body Areas Affected:
STOMACH ; LOWER ESOPHAGUS

Symptoms:

@
BELCHING OR SLIGHT REGURGITATION OF STOMACH CONTENTS INTO THE MOUTH
HEAVY UNCOMFORTABLE SENSATION IN THE CHEST
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY
MILD ABDOMINAL PAIN
VOMITING
$

Causes:
HIATAL HERNIA, ULCERS OF THE ESOPHAGUS, IRRITATION OF LOWER ESOPHAGUS

Prevention:
NONE. CONSIDER LIFESTYLE CHANGES
!
*

DIPHTHERIA

What is DIPHTHERIA                                        ?
A HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS THROAT INFECTION

Body Areas Affected:
THROAT; SKIN; HEART; CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Symptoms:

@
SORE THROAT
LOW FEVER
SWOLLEN NECK GLANDS
AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION AND BREATHING DIFFICULTY
SHOCK
RAPID HEARTBEAT
PALENESS
COLD SKIN
SWEATING
$

Causes:
BACTERIAL GERM, CORYNEBACTERIUM DIPHTHERIAE, INFECTS THE THROAT

Prevention:
IMMUNIZATION WITH DIPHTHERIA VACCINE
IMPROVED NUTRITION AND STANDARD OF LIVING
!
*

SINUSITIS

What is SINUSITIS                                         ?
INFLAMMATION OF THE SINUSES ADJACENT TO THE NOSE.  GERMS THAT CAUSE
SINUSITIS ARE CONTAGIOUS.

Body Areas Affected:
SINUSES

Symptoms:

@
NASAL CONGESTION WITH GREEN-YELLOW DISCHARGE
FEELING OF PRESSURE INSIDE THE HEAD
EYE PAIN
HEADACHE THAT IS WORSE IN THE MORNING OR WHEN BENDING FORWARD
CHEEK PAIN THAT MAY RESEMBLE A TOOTHACHE
POST NASAL DRIP
COUGH THAT IS USUALLY NON PRODUCTIVE
FEVER
DISTURBED SLEEP
COMPLETE BLOCKAGE OF SINUS OPENINGS
$

Causes:
INFECTION ; IRRITATION OF THE NASAL PASSAGES

Prevention:
KEEP THE HUMIDITY LEVEL AT 45% TO 50% IN HEATED BUILDINGS DURING THE WINTER.
DON'T STIFLE SNEEZES
!
*

CARDIAC ARREST

What is CARDIAC ARREST                                    ?
TOTAL LOSS OF HEART PUMPING ACTION.  DELAY OF TREATMENT FOR ONLY
3 - 5 MINUTES MAY CAUSE DEATH OR PERMANENT BRAIN DAMAGE.

Body Areas Affected:
HEART

Symptoms:

@
BRIEF DIZZINESS FOLLOWED BY FAINTING AND UNCONSCIOUSNESS
NO PULSE
NO BREATHING
BLUISH WHITE SKIN
DILATED PUPILS
SEIZURES
LOSS OF BOWEL AND BLADDER CONTROL
$

Causes:
HEARBEAT IRREGULARITIES, LOSS OF OXYGEN, ELECTROLYTE CHANGE, HEART DISEASE

Prevention:
OBTAIN IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR ANY CONDITIONS LISTED AS
CAUSES.  IF YOU HAVE HEART DISEASE, LEARN ALL YOU CAN ABOUT ALL
THE DRUGS YOU TAKE, INCLUDING NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
!
*

BULIMIA

What is BULIMIA                                           ?
A PSYCHOLOGICAL EATING DISORDER CHARACTERIZED BY ABNORMAL, CONSTANT
CRAVING FOR FOOD AND BINGE EATING, FOLLOWED BY SELF-INDUCED VOMITING
OR LAXATIVE USE.

Body Areas Affected:
BRAIN AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; KIDNEYS; LIVER; ENDOCRINE SYSTEM;
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.

Symptoms:

@
PREFERENCE FOR HIGH CALORIE, CONVENIENCE FOODS DURING A BINGE
SECRETIVE EATING DURING A BINGE
TERMINATION OF AN EATING BINGE WITH PURGING MEASURES, SUCH AS LAXATIVE
DEPRESSION AND GUILT FOLLOWING AN EATING BINGE
REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH SEVERELY RESTRICTIVE DIETS
FREQUENT WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS GREATER THEN 10 POUNDS FROM FASTING/GORGING
NO UNDERLYING PHYSICAL DISORDER
$

Causes:
UNKNOWN.  THE DISORDER OFTEN BEGINS DURING OR AFTER STRINGENT DIETING

Prevention:
RAISE CHILDREN IN A WHOLESOME FAMILY ENVIRONMENT WITH EMPHASIS ON
CARING AND GOOD COMMUNICATION RATHER THAN ON EXTERNAL APPEARANCES.
!
*

KIDNEY STONES

What is KIDNEY STONES                                     ?
SMALL, SOLID PARTICLES THAT FORM IN ONE OR BOTH KIDNEYS AND SOMETIMES
TRAVEL INTO THE URETER.  STONES VARY FROM THE SIZE OF A GRAIN OF
SAND TO A GOLF BALL, AND THERE MAY BE ONE OR SEVERAL

Body Areas Affected:
KIDNEYS; URETERS; BLADDER; URETHRA

Symptoms:

@
EPISODES OF SEVERE, INTERMITTENT PAIN EVERY FEW MINUTES
PAIN APPEARING FIRST IN THE BACK
FREQUENT NAUSEA
TRACES OF BLOOD IN URINE
$

Causes:
EXCESS CALCIUM IN THE URINE, GOUT, BLOCKAGE OF URINE FROM ANY CAUSE

Prevention:
DRINK 3 QUARTS OF FLUID, MOSTLY PURIFIED WATER, EVERY DAY
AVOID MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS IF YOU HAVE HAD A CALCIUM OR PHOSPHORUS
KIDNEY STONE.
AVOID EXCESSIVE SWEATING
!
*

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

What is PARKINSON'S DISEASE                               ?
A DISEASE OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IN OLDER ADULTS CHARACTERIZED
BY GRADUAL, PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RIGIDITY, TREMORS AND CLUMSINESS

Body Areas Affected:
AREA OF THE BRAIN THAT REGULATES MOVEMENT; MUSCLES.

Symptoms:

@
TREMORS, ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT MOVING
GENERAL MUSCLE STIFFNESS AND SLOWNESS
AWKWARD OR SHUFFLING WALK
STOOPED POSTURE
LOSS OF FACIAL EXPRESSION
VOICE CHANGES
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY
INTELLECTUAL ABILITY IS UNCHANGED UNTIL ADVANCED STAGES
$

Causes:
UNKNOWN; MEDICATIONS, BRAIN INJURY; TUMORS; SLOW VIRUS OR CARBON MON POISONING

Prevention:
NONE
!
*

SUNBURN

What is SUNBURN                                           ?
INFLAMMATION OF THE SKIN THAT FOLLOWS OVEREXPOSURE TO THE SUN, SUN
LAMPS OR OCCUPATIONAL LIGHT SOURCES

Body Areas Affected:
EXPOSED SKIN

Symptoms:

@
RED, SWOLLEN, PAINFUL AND SOMETIMES BLISTERED SKIN
CHILLS AND FEVER
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
DELIRIUM
TANNING OR PEELING OF THE SKIN AFTER RECOVERY
$

Causes:
EXCESS EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

Prevention:
AVOID THE SUN FROM NOON TO 3 PM
USE A SUN BLOCK PRPARATION FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
WEAR MUTED COLORS SUCH AS TAN.  AVOID BRILLIANT COLORS THAT REFLECT THE
SUN. LIMIT YOUR SUN EXPOSURE
!
*

SNAKEBITE

What is SNAKEBITE                                         ?
BITE FROM A POISONOUS SNAKE. BITES ON THE EXTREMITIES ARE MOST COMMON.
BUT BITES ON THE HEAD AND TRUNK ARE MOST DANGEROUS

Body Areas Affected:
EXPOSED SKIN, BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM.

Symptoms:

@
SEVERE PAIN AND SWELLING AROUND THE BITE
FEVER
SKIN DISCOLORATION THAT RESEMBLES BRUISING AROUND THE BITE
BLEEDING SPOTS UNDER THE SKIN ALL OVER THE BODY
NUMBNESS AND TINGLING AROUND THE MOUTH AND IN THE HANDS AND FEET
EXCESSIVE SWEATING
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE AND SHOCK
BREATHING DIFFICULTY
BLURRED VISION
HEADACHE
$

Causes:
BITE FROM POISONOUS SNAKE

Prevention:
WEAR PROTECTIVE SHOES, BOOTS AND CLOTHING FOR HIKING, CAMPING, FISHING,
AND HUNTING.  PREVENT COMPLICATIONS BY CARRYING A SNAKEBITE KIT AND
INSTRUCTIONS.
!
*

SHOCK

What is SHOCK                                             ?
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE THAT IS EXTENSIVE ENOUGH SO THE BODY CANNOT MAINTAIN
NORMAL FUNCTIONS.  SHOCK DOES NOT INCLUDE A PERSON'S REACTION TO
EMOTIONAL TRAUMA.

Body Areas Affected:
HEART; BLOOD VESSELS; BLOOD

Symptoms:

@
COLD HANDS AND FEET
FAST, WEAK PULSE
DISORIENTATION OR CONFUSION
ANXIETY WITH FEELINGS OF IMPENDING DOOM
SKIN THAT IS PALE, MOIST AND SWEATY
SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND RAPID BREATHING
LACK OF URINATION
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
$

Causes:
SUDDEN LOSS OF BLOOD, IMPAIRED HEART FUNCTION, BLOOD POISONING, DISEASE

Prevention:
AVOID CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS WHEN POSSIBLE
!
*

PLEURISY

What is PLEURISY                                          ?
INFLAMMATION AND IRRITATION OF THE PLEURA, A THIN, TWO LAYERED MEMBRANE
THAT ENCLOSES THE LUNG AND LINES THE INSIDE OF THE CHEST

Body Areas Affected:
PLEURA

Symptoms:

@
SUDDEN CHEST PAIN THAT WORSENS WITH BREATHING AND COUGHING
FEVER
DISCOMFORT ON MOVING THE AFFECTED SIDE
RAPID SHALLOW BREATHING
$

Causes:
LUNG/CHEST INFECTIONS, BRONCHIECTASIS, LIVER/KIDNEY DISORDERS, HEART FAILURE

Prevention:
OBTAIN MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE UNDERLYING DISORDER.
!
*

ORAL CANCER

What is ORAL CANCER                                       ?
GROWTH OF THE MALIGNANT CELLS IN THE MOUTH OR TONGUE.  THESE ARE RARE
BUT DANGEROUS.

Body Areas Affected:
LIPS, GUMS; PALATE; TONGUE; MEMBRANES INSIDE THE LIP OR CHEEK;
FLOOR OF THE MOUTH

Symptoms:

@
A PALE LUMP USUALLY PAINLESS INSIDE THE MOUTH
PALE LUMP ENLARGES, ULCERATES AND BLEEDS EASILY
MAY PREVENT DENTURES FROM FITTING PROPERLY
STIFF TONGUE AND DIFFICULT TO CONTROL
SPEAKING AND SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY
$

Causes:
UNKNOWN

Prevention:
DON'T USE TOBACCO
!
*

HEAT STROKE

What is HEAT STROKE                                       ?
ILLNESS CAUSED BY PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HOT TEMPERATURES

Body Areas Affected:
TOTAL BODY

Symptoms:

@
SUDDEN DIZZINESS, WEAKNESS, FAINTNESS AND HEADACHE
SKIN THAT IS HOT AND DRY
NO SWEATING
HIGH BODY TEMPERATURE
RAPID HEARTBEAT
MUSCLE CRAMPS
$

Causes:
FAILURE OF BODY'S COOLING SYSTEM, AGING PROCESS, ALCOHOL, DIABETES

Prevention:
WEAR LIGHT, LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING IN HOT WEATHER.  DRINK EXTRA WATER
IF YOU SWEAT HEAVILY.
IMPROVE VENTILATION
!
*

EYE TUMOR

What is EYE TUMOR                                         ?
A GROWTH IN THE EYE IN WHICH CELL MULTIPLICATION IS UNCONTROLLED AND
PROGRESSIVE.  EYE TUMORS ARE OF 3 TYPES: RETINOBLASTOMA, MALIGNANT
MELANOMA OR SECONDARY TUMORS THAT HAVE SPREAD FROM OTHER PARTS OF
THE BODY

Body Areas Affected:
USUALLY 1 EYE.  RETINOBLASTOMA INVADES BOTH EYES IN 25% OF CASES.

Symptoms:

@
POSSIBLY NO SIGNS IN THE EARLY AGES
GRADUAL LOSS OF VISION
BULGING EYES
CROSSED EYS
A TUMOR THAT IS VISIBLE THROUGH THE PUPIL
$

Causes:
MELANOMA AND SECONDARY TUMORS: UNKNOWN. RETINOBLASTOMA: INHERITED

Prevention:
CANNOT BE PREVENTED
!
*

RUPTURED EARDRUM

What is RUPTURED EARDRUM                                  ?
A PERFORATION OF THE THIN MEMBRANE (TYMPANIC MEMBRANE) THAT SEPERATES
THE INNER EAR FROM THE OUTER EAR.

Body Areas Affected:
EARDRUM; MIDDLE EAR

Symptoms:

@
SUDDEN PAIN IN THE EAR
PARTIAL HEARING LOSS
BLEEDING OR DISCHARGE FROM THE EAR.
RINGING IN THE EAR
DIZZINESS
$

Causes:
PERFORATION OF EARDRUM, INFECTION, SUDDEN INWARD/OUTWARD PRESSURE

Prevention:
DON'T PUT ANY OBJECT INTO THE EAR CANAL
AVOID INJURIES THAT MAY CAUSE A RUPTURE
OBTAIN PROPER MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR MIDDLE-EAR INFECTIONS
!
*

ANXIETY

What is ANXIETY                                           ?
A VAGUE, UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING OF FEAR, DREAD OR DANGER FROM AN UNKNOWN
SOURCE.  SOME PERSONS BECOME CONSTANTLY ANXIOUS ABOUT EVERYTHING.

Body Areas Affected:
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Symptoms:

@
FEELING THAT SOMETHING UNDESIRABLE OR HARMFUL IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN
DRY MOUTH, SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY OR HOARSENESS
RAPID BREATHING AND HEARTBEAT
TWITCHING OR TREMBLING
MUSCLE TENSION AND HEADACHES
SWEATING
NAUSEA, DIARRHEA, WEIGHT LOSS
SLEEPLESSNESS
IRRITABILITY
MEMORY PROBLEMS
$

Causes:
ACTIVATION OF BODY'S DEFENS FOR FIGHT/FLIGH. EXCESS ADRENALIN

Prevention:
DETERMINE WHAT STRESSFUL OR POTENTIALLY HARMFUL SITUATION IS CAUSING
THE ANXIETY.  DEAL DIRECTLY WITH IT.
!
*

DEHYDRATION

What is DEHYDRATION                                       ?
LOSS OF WATER AND ESSENTIAL BODY SALTS

Body Areas Affected:
BLOOD; GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT; KIDNEYS

Symptoms:

@
DRY MOUTH
DECREASED OR ABSENT URINATION
SUNKEN EYES
WRINKLED SKIN
CONFUSION
COMA
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
$

Causes:
PERSISTENT DIARRHEA OR VOMITING; SWEATING; USER OF DRUGS; SUN OVEREXPOSURE

Prevention:
OBTAIN MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR UNDERLYING CAUSE OF DEHYDRATION
IF VOMITING OR DIARRHEA, TAKE SMALL AMOUNTS OF LIQUID WITH NONPRESCRIPTION
ELECTROLYTE SUPPLEMENTS - OR DRINKS SUCH AS GATORADE - EVERY 30 TO
60 MINUTES
WEIGH DAILY
!
*

HERNIA

What is HERNIA                                            ?
PROTRUSION OF AN INTERNAL ORGAN THROUGH A WEAKNESS OR ABNORMAL OPENING
IN THE MUSCLE AROUND IT.  THE MOST COMMON TYPES INCLUDE: INGUINAL HERNIA,
INCISIONAL HERNIA, FEMORAL HERNIA, UMBILICAL HERNIA, AND HIATUS HERNIA

Body Areas Affected:
MUSCLES AROUND THE NAVEL, CONNECTIVE TISSUE IN THE GROIN, MUSCLES
AT THE SIGHT OF PREVIOUS SURGERY

Symptoms:

@
A LUMP THAT USUALLY RETURNS TO ITS NORMAL POSITION WITH GENTLE PRESSURE
MILD DISCOMFORT OR PAIN AT THE SITE OF THE LUMP
SCROTAL SWELLING
VOMITING
$

Causes:
WEAKNESS IN CONNECTIVE TISSUE OR A MUSCLE WALL

Prevention:
AVOID HEAVY LIFTING OR STRAINING. LIFT PROPERLY
!