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What is Avian Influenza? Avian influenza, also known as ‘avian flu’ or ‘bird flu’ is an infection- usually of wild birds- but sometimes also of commercial or domestic poultry. Water birds are the natural host of avian influenza. Avian influenza viruses are within the group of ‘influenza A viruses’ and are classified into subtypes according […]

What is Arbovirus? More than a hundred arboviruses are known to cause human disease and are transmitted to humans by mosquitos, midges, sand flies and ticks. Endemic arboviral infections are most common in the late summer months when the temperatures are warmer and especially following periods of rainfall. Typically, mosquitoes, ticks and other vectors are

What are Antimicrobial resistance maps?  Antimicrobial resistance is a key public health concern that threatens the management of severe clinical infections both locally and globally. The emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) classified within the ESKAPE group of bacteria have important clinical implications for treatment. Surveillance is conducted to determine the magnitude and pattern of

What is Antimicrobial Resistance ?  Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms (germs) become resistant to antimicrobial agents. An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. Antimicrobial agents that act against bacteria are called “antibiotics”, and those that act against fungi are called “antifungals”. As antibiotics and antifungals are used and in some cases, misused, resistance results. This

What is Anthrax? Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium bacillus anthracis. The disease is most common in cattle, goat, sheep and antelopes. Animals become infected when they breathe in or ingest spores in contaminated soil, plants, or water. In areas where domestic animals have had anthrax in the past, routine vaccination can

What are Adverse Events Following Immunisation? Any medical event occurring after immunisation can be classified as an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) whether the event has any causal relationship to getting the immunisation or not.  Adverse events/responses following immunisation can range from mild to severe and from common to very rare. They may occur as

What is Acute rheumatic fever? Acute rheumatic fever is an illness caused by an autoimmune response to a bacterial infection with group A streptococcus, commonly called the strep bacteria. Infection with group A streptococcus can cause many illnesses, including sore throat (strep throat) and skin sores. In some cases, the immune system gets confused when

What is Acute Flaccid Paralysis?  Acute Flaccid Paralysis or AFP is a clinical syndrome, which refers to a collection of signs and symptoms, instead of a diagnosis. AFP is defined by the acute onset of weakness or paralysis with reduced muscle tone in children. There are many infectious and non-infectious causes of AFP.  Polio, caused

What is  Acinetobacter baumannii?  Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that lives on the human skin and preferentially colonizes aquatic environments. This pathogen has emerged as a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, meningitis, wound infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This bacterium can be spread to susceptible persons by