Tuberculosis

Major effort is needed related to tuberculosis (TB) that since three million out of an estimated nine million new TB cases were not getting the proper treatment. World tuberculosis awareness today declare it remains a top infectious killer. In 2013, TB is accounted for 1.5 million deaths across the world and the largest number of new TB cases occurred in South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions, accounting for 56% cases globally.

What is tuberculosis? 

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis that most often affect the lungs. It spreads from person to person through the air contact and can be transmitted through cough, sneeze or spit from an infected person.

Are you at risk?

It is very important to know your risk factors of tuberculosis as follows:

• All age groups are at risk but TB mostly affects young adults in their productive years 
• People with compromised immune system (i.e. people with HIV-positive) 
• Tobacco use greatly increases the risk of TB

What are the symptoms?
These are the common symptoms of TB:

• Cough with sputum and blood at times
• Chest pains
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats

The symptoms may be mild for many months even if you have developed active TB. To ensure for having tuberculosis you can have sputum smear microscopy test or other TB test. The test is important for further treatment.

Facts of Tuberculosis

• Tuberculosis (TB) is second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide.
• In 2013, 9 million people fell ill with TB and 1.5 million died from the disease.
• In 2013, an estimated 550.000 children became ill with TB and 80 000 HIV-negative children died of TB
• Over 95% of TB deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and it is among the top 5 causes of death for women aged 15 to 44.
• TB is a leading killer of HIV-positive people causing one fourth of all HIV-related deaths.
• Globally in 2013, an estimated 480.000 people developed multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB).
• The TB death rate dropped 45% between 1990 and 2013.
• An estimated 37 million lives were saved through TB diagnosis and treatment between 2000 and 2013.

Know your risk factors, and admit yourself to do TB test for preventive measure and treatment. Let’s celebrate World TB Day 2015 by actively take part in promoting awareness and take action to reduce the transmission of Tuberculosis around the world.

Tuberculosis is curable and preventable! 

Dengue Fever

Definition

Dengue Fever is a disease caused by the Dengue virus. The virus is primarily transmitted to human body by an infected female Aedes mosquito, more particularly Aedes Aegypti. Those mosquitoes typically breed in standing water of mostly man-made containers in or close to the home. Aedes aegypti is a daytime feeder; its peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening before dusk. Female Aedes aegypti bites multiple people during each feeding period.

Prevention

One of prevention is by killing mosquitoes through fogging and mosquito repellents. However it is not an absolute method of prevention since neither of these will affect the larvae stage. The most appropriate method to prevent dengue fever is by eradicating the larvae as follows:

• Drain water storage containers (tub, drum, etc) every week.
• Close water storage containers tightly after use to avoid any mosquitoes from entering and breeding.
• Change water in flower vases and pots every day.
• Discard or bury any plastic containers, bottles, cans, or any used items which could collect rainwater.
• In the event that it is not possible to drain the water weekly from reservoirs or storage containers, sprinkle larvacide (i.e. Abate powder) into the water to kill the larvae. Repeat this once every 2-3 months. 

Another alternative prevention is keeping larvae-eating guppy fish in the storage containers, and of course continuously and actively observe, monitor, and eradicate the larvae.

Meanwhile, there are some activities that might keep you and your family away from adult mosquitoes, include:

• Install mosquito nets on windows or other ventilation,
• Eliminate places for adult mosquitoes to hide, such as clothes hanging on the backs of chairs, doors, etc.
• Provides sufficient room ventilation and lighting.
• Use mosquito nets around bed when sleeping.

Measles

What is Measles? 

Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease caused by a virus. it is associated with children but can also be transferred to adults.  The measles virus normally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and lungs.

What are the signs and symptoms of Measles? 

• High fever 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts four to seven days (38.3 C and above)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Small white spots inside the cheeks
• Cough that may lasts for 10 days
• Skin rashes (Starts on the face below the hairline and upper neck and spreads up to hands and feet)

How is it transmitted? 

• The highly contagious virus is spread by coughing and sneezing 
• Close personal contact or direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions
• The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours
• It can be transmitted by an infected person from four days prior to the onset of rash to four days after the rash erupts 

Treatment & prevention

There is no specific antiviral treatment exists for measles virus.  However, good nutrition, adequate fluid intake and treatment of dehydration are very important to prevent severe complications of measles.  All children in developing countries diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. This vitamin is to prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements have been shown to reduce the number of deaths from measles by 50%.

The most effective preventive measure is vaccination, that is safe and inexpensive.  Hand washing and cough etiquette are also important to prevent the spread of measles. And it is encourage to avoid crowded places when outbreak occurs.