What is Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by a chronic hyperglycemia-induced triad of symptoms (polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia) caused by elevated blood glucose level and metabolic dysregulation. Untreated Diabetes mellitus leads to multiorgan and systemic injury to the heart, kidneys, nerves and blood […]
What is Soil Transmitted Helminths? Soil transmitted helminth infections (STH) are caused by species, including Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) and Trichuris trichiura. STH infections may be asymptomatic, heavy infections are associated with considerable morbidity, including abdominal pain, diarrhea and anemia, as well as impaired cognitive and physical development in children. STH infections focus on morbidity control
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What is Myiasis? Myiasis is the parasitic infestation of the body by the larvae (maggots) of fly species. Human myiasis is caused in sub-Saharan Africa by the Tumbu fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga) also known as mango fly or Putzi fly. The fly lays its eggs on the ground or on bedding or clothing that is laid
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What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Patients with measles present with fever and with a rash. The rash looks like small, red, flat spots over the body. The rash does not form blisters, nor is it itchy or painful. Other signs include cough, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and coryza
What is Influenza? Influenza also called flu is an acute viral respiratory infection, transmitted by the influenza virus. This virus has three main types A, B and C. Influenza A is classified into different subtypes. The currently circulating seasonal viruses are A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses. The flu viruses are typically
What is Lujo? Lujo (LHF) is a hemorraghic fever caused by an arenavirus. LHF is contracted by humans through contact with virus-contaminated rodent excreta, via inhalation of dust or aerosolized materials or vomitus soiled with rodent feces and urine, or nosocomially via direct contact with infected blood, urine or pharyngeal secretions from an infected person
What is West Nile Fever? Summary of diseaseWest Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. West Nile fever can cause fatal neurological disease in humans and horses and it has been commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. SymptomsThe majority of patients are asymptomatic. The most common symptoms are: headache,
What is Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) ? Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) refer to a number of different diseases characterised by the presence of fever, rash and bleeding. VHFs are caused by viruses belonging to four families of RNA viruses: the Arenaviridae, Filoviridae, Bunyaviridae, and Flaviviridae. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endemic to South Africa. Ebola
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What is Varicella-Zoster Virus? Chickenpox is an infectious disease characterized by fever and a blister-like rash caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV). A first infection with VZV causes chickenpox. After recovery from chickenpox, the virus can be dormant (inactive or latent) in a nerve root (specifically the dorsal root ganglion of a sensory nerve). Reactivation of
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