Understanding the 11 Notifiable Diseases in Public Health
Public health policies and practices are crucial when it comes to preventing and controlling communicable diseases. Notifiable diseases are those that pose a significant public health risk and must be reported by health-care providers to the relevant public health authorities. These diseases are included in a list provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the 11 notifiable diseases in public health, their symptoms, complications, and prevention measures.
1. Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection that affects the small intestine, causing severe watery diarrhea and dehydration. This disease is transmitted through contaminated water and food. Some of the preventions measures include: proper sanitation, hand hygiene, and vaccination.
2. Dengue
Dengue fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle, and joint pains, and skin rash. The only prevention measure against dengue is mosquito control.
3. Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola virus disease is a severe and fatal viral infection that causes hemorrhagic fever in humans and animals. The symptoms include fever, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, and bleeding. The transmission of Ebola is through direct contact with body fluids of an infected person. The prevention measures include proper hygiene and protective clothing.
4. Influenza
Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that is spread through coughing and sneezing. The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and body aches. The best way to prevent influenza is through vaccination.
5. Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is a viral illness that is transmitted through contact with urine or droppings of rodents. The symptoms include fever, muscle, and joint pains, vomiting, and bleeding. The prevention measures include proper hygiene, rodent control, and protective clothing.
6. Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic disease that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and muscle pains. The prevention measures against malaria include mosquito control, appropriate use of insecticide-treated bed nets, and the use of antimalarial medications.
7. Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis or blood infections. The symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck. The prevention measures are vaccination.
8. Measles
Measles is a viral illness that is highly contagious and can cause severe complications. The symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and skin rash. The prevention measures include vaccination.
9. Plague
Plague is a bacterial disease that is transmitted through the bite of infected fleas. The symptoms include fever, chills, and swollen glands. The prevention measures against the plague include rodent control and flea control.
10. Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral illness that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pains, and vomiting. The prevention measures include vaccination and mosquito control.
11. Zika Virus Disease
Zika virus disease is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The symptoms include fever, rash, joint pains, and conjunctivitis. The prevention measures against Zika virus disease include mosquito control and protective clothing.
In conclusion, notifiable diseases pose a significant public health risk, and it’s essential that healthcare providers report them to the relevant public health authorities. Every individual has a responsibility to ensure they follow the recommended preventive measures against these diseases. By taking these measures, we can prevent the spread of notifiable diseases and keep our communities safe and healthy.
