Bird Flu, SARS, Dengue
Bird Flu, SARS, Dengue
BIRD FLU
Bird flu or Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by Type A strains
of the influenza virus
Domestic poultry i.e. Chickens are most susceptible
Migratory waterfowl or wild ducks are the natural reservoir of bird flu
Direct contact with the bird
Contact with dirt, cages or any surface contaminated by the organism
SIGN OF INFECTION IN BIRDS
Sudden death
Lack of energy and appetite
Swelling of head, eyelids, comb, wattles and legs
Purple discoloration of wattles and comb
Nasal discharge
Diarrhea
BIRD FLU AND HUMAN BEING
First human case were seen in Hong Kong in 1997
Human got infected by the direct contact with infected animal
Symptoms in human includes
Fever, headache, sore throat
Muscle aches, Lethargy
Conjunctivitis
Breathing problems and chest pain
TREATMENT
Rest
Drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol and tobacco
Use of antiviral drugs appears to be effective
SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY
SYNDROME (SARS)
S.A.R.S. is a serious respiratory virus, which killed nearly 800 people worldwide in
the months following its emergence in November 2002
Experts believe that after infection with S.A.R.S., the incubation period can be up to
10 days
Known symptoms are similar to those of the flu, including high fever, headache, sore
throat, and cough
At present, the mortality rate is approximately 4% - four cases in 100 are fatal
There is no vaccine. There is also no specific antiviral treatment designed to treat
S.A.R.S
TRANSMISSION
It is likely that infection takes place through droplets of body fluids - produced
by sneezing or coughing
Droplets from coughing and sneezing and close human contact likely transmit
the SARS virus. The respiratory droplets are probably absorbed into the body
through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
This could be through:
hugging and kissing
sharing utensils for eating and drinking
speaking to someone within a distance of 3 feet
touching someone directly
A person with the virus can spread the infection by leaving respiratory droplets on
objects, such as door handles, doorbells, and telephones. These are then picked up by
someone else.
The virus is likely to remain active in the environment for several days.
Face masks can stop its spread, but it is unclear exactly how much protection they
offer against viral particles.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms normally appear within 3 to 5 days after exposure to the SARS
virus, but they can develop after 2 to 7 days. During the incubation period,
before symptoms appear, the disease is not contagious.
Most cases of SARS begin with a high fever. Other early symptoms
include those common to flu, such as aches, chills, diarrhea, dry
coughing, and shortness of breath. These will develop over the course of
a week.
Patients may go on to develop pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.
Serious complications, such as respiratory failure, heart failure, and liver failure may
occur.
These complications are more likely in people aged over 60 years, and those with
pre-existing co-morbidities, such as diabetes or hepatitis.
HOW TO AVOID IT
The best way to stop the spread of S.A.R.S. is to isolate people with the virus and
those thought to have been in contact with them.
Experts predict the virus will continue to pose a threat - and warn that health
authorities need to be ever vigilant for its return.
DANGUE FEVER
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus
. Symptoms typically begin three to fourteen days after infection.
Dengue (pronounced DENgee) fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne
disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses. These viruses are
related to the viruses that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever.
TRANSMISSION OF DISEASE