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| Communicable Diseases - Continued |
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| AIDS is a fatal disease in which the immune system of the body is affected. “Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome” which is the medical expansion for AIDS was first detected in June 1981 in USA. The disease is caused by a retrovirus - HIV (human immuno deficiency virus). Immune response is produced by a variety of white blood cells (WBC) called lymphocytes. The HIV attacks the lymphocytes and uses the genetic material to produce more virus particles which are released into the blood to attack more WBC. This leads to destruction of the white blood corpuscles and reduces the body's defence against infections like pneumonia and also some kinds of cancer. It is a disease that is dreaded in todays world. |
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| HIV is transmitted when there is an exchange of body fluids from an infected person to a healthy one. |
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| The common modes of transmission are: |
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 Sexual intercourse |
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 Sharing needles to inject drugs |
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 Blood transfusion |
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 From HIV positive mother to unborn child |
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 Razor at the barber's saloon |
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| Symptoms |
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| The interval between infection and the first appearance of symptoms is 1-10 years. The important symptoms of AIDS are: |
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 Swollen lymph nodes |
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 Low blood platelet count, causing hemorrhage and fever |
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 Weight loss and sweating at night |
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 Severe damage to brain which may lead to loss of memory, ability to speak and think clearly. |
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 Due to the breakdown of the immune system the patient becomes susceptible to other infections. |
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| Prevention |
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| The public must be educated to take the following preventive measures against AIDS. |
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 A common razor should not be used by the barber. |
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 Blood donors must be screened for HIV before they donate blood. |
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 Only disposable needles and syringes should be used. |
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 Safe sex must be practiced. |
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| Control |
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| No effective vaccine for AIDS has been developed so far. |
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| The bacterium that causes this disease is Mycobacterium tuberculosis which is a rod shaped bacteria spread by air, dust, sputum of infected person or even from animals. The bacterium releases a toxin called tuberculin. The disease generally affects lung tissue but may spread to any other part of the body like the brain, stomach or intestine. The disease bore a social stigma but today due to research and advancement in medicine the disease can be controlled and is no longer life threatening. |
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| Symptoms |
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| This first symptom observed is weight loss. The patient feels sick and weak. There is no appetite. There is low grade fever which may rise in the afternoon. Depending on the site of infection the symptoms may vary. |
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| Lung (pulmonary T.B.) |
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| Here the patient has persistent cough and produces blood-stained sputum (Phlegm). There is weight loss and a feeling of weakness. Pain in the chest and breathlessness may also occur. |
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| Lymph gland T.B. swelling and tenderness of lymph glands which may discharge secretions through the skin. Often the infection may be in the leg. |
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| Prevention |
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 Public awareness of health and hygiene is essential. |
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 BCG or Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin vaccination which contains weakened Tuberculosis bacillus is injected into the system to produce antibodies that will fight the disease. |
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 Cows that are milked should be immunized with tuberculin vaccine. |
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 Spitting in public places must be banned. |
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| Control |
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| ATT (Anti-tubercular therapy) should be administered. Streptomycin is the drug used. |
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| This is a water borne disease which is transmitted by flies. The infection can occur in a global form especially during flood and other natural calamities. The bacterium that causes the disease is vibrio cholerae. |
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| Symptoms |
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| There is severe gastro intestinal infection which leads to vomiting, watery motions, reduced urination and dehydration. Eyes become sunken and the patient has muscle cramps. |
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| Prevention |
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 Immunization with anti cholera vaccine. The immunization lasts for 6 months. |
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 When the disease is rampant, boiled water cooked food and food not exposed to flies must be consumed. |
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 Proper sanitation and good personal hygiene in the community will prevent the spreading of the disease. |
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 To prevent dehydration ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) should be administered in small drips at frequent intervals. |
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| ORS - Sodium chloride 3.5 g |
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| Sodium bicarbonate 2.5 g |
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| Potassium chloride 1.5 g |
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| Glucose 20.0 g |
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| Sucrose 40 gm |
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| Water 1 lt. |
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| Control |
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| Immediate medical help is required to control the disease. Tetracycline is the drug of choice. |
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