Nipah Virus Alert in Kerala:On July 21, 2024, a 14-year-old boy in Kerala died from Nipah virus.Kerala's health minister issued a high alert throughout the state.About Nipah Virus:Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals (like bats or pigs) to humans.First identified in pig farmers in Malaysia in 1999.Cases have also been reported in Singapore, Bangladesh, and India.Transmission:Through direct contact with infected animals.Consuming fruits contaminated by fruit bats.Direct contact with an infected person.Signs and Symptoms:Initial Symptoms: Fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting.Progressive Symptoms: Dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty focusing.Severe Symptoms (within 24-48 hours): Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, encephalitis (brain swelling), seizures leading to coma.Incubation Period:4-14 days.Diagnosis:RT-PCR (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) or ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests on body fluids.Treatment and Prevention:No specific treatment or vaccine available.Severe cases require intensive supportive care.WHO Research and Development Blueprint has identified Nipah virus as a priority disease.Preventive measures:Clean and disinfect pig farms.Wash hands with soap and water.Prevent the movement of infected animals.Source:-1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570576/2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/nipah-virus

After the monkeypox outbreak in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to bring together experts to determine if this spread is more dangerous and whether it should be declared an international emergency, as it has affected more than 10 African countries.Monkeypox, also known as mpox, is a viral zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans. It is caused by the monkeypox virus. Historically, it was found in Central Africa and West Africa. The first human case of monkeypox was a nine-month-old baby from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa.Monkeypox is usually a mild illness that can recover in 2-4 weeks. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and a rash with pimples and blisters that can appear on various parts of the body, including the face, palms, and groin area, and can be painful.It is transmitted through:Close contact, such as kissing, touching, or sexual contact with infected individuals.Body fluids, such as droplets from sneezing or coughing.Infected animals, especially during hunting or cooking.Contaminated towels, clothes, or bedding.It can also be transmitted from mother to unborn baby through the placenta.People with weak immune systems and those with multiple sex partners or who are sex workers are at higher risk of contracting monkeypox.The diagnosis of monkeypox is typically done using a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, where swabs are taken from body fluids or skin. Getting the mpox vaccine within 4 days of exposure to an infected person can help prevent the disease.Prevention measures include:Washing hands frequently with soap and water.Avoiding close contact with infected individuals.Wearing masks and avoiding touching surfaces without disinfecting them.If you experience symptoms of monkeypox, consult a doctor to prevent further complications.Source:- 1.https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/monkeypox-mpox 2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox

Let us here discuss different Water borne diseases that can range from being mild to even fatal.Let’s first know the symptoms, prevention and possible treatment for Dengue:Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) to humans which breeds mainly in water collections in artificial containers.Symptoms of Dengue: Severe headache, high fever (usually around 104°F), muscle and joint pain, vomiting, rashes or bruises on the skin and pain behind the eyes are some common symptoms.How to prevent Dengue: There is no vaccine for this disease. The mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day time. You must wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible, use mosquito nets while sleeping during the day, use mosquito repellants (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535), use coils and vaporizers and use window screens at all timesCover, empty and clean the water storage containers on a weekly basis, dispose solid waste properly, do not let any stagnant water ponds or containers in the community, as mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, apply appropriate insecticides to outdoor water storage containers, if any.Treatment of Dengue: Though there is no specific treatment for dengue, the focus is on symptomatic treatment only. Paracetamol is often used to control pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are avoided, as they increase the risk of bleeding. Though in some severe cases, hospitalization is also needed.Source:- 1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue

Malaria, a water Borne disease is a life-threatening disease spread by some types of infected female mosquitoes (Anopheles mosquitoes) to humans. However, blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria.Symptoms of Malaria: Symptoms usually begin after 10-15 days of mosquito bite. Symptoms can vary from mild or even life-threatening. Mild symptoms include fever, chills and headache whereas severe symptoms include fatigue, seizures, confusion, dark or bloody urine, jaundice and difficulty in breathing.How to prevent Malaria: Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medications. Timely treatment can stop mild cases from getting worse. Consult your doctor for taking medicine such as chemoprophylaxis before traveling to areas where malaria is common.Wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible, use mosquito nets while sleeping, use mosquito repellants (containing DEET, Icaridin or IR3535), use coils and vaporizers and use window screens at all times.Treatment of Malaria: Multiple medicines are used to prevent and treat malaria. Your doctor will choose for you based on:Type of malariaWhether a malaria parasite is resistant to a medicineThe weight or age of the person infected with malariaWhether the person is pregnant.Some most common medicines of Malaria are:Artemisinin:-based combination therapy medicines: Effective in treatment for P. falciparum malaria.Chloroquine: Effective in treatment of infection with the P. vivax parasite only in places where it is still sensitive to this medicine.Primaquine: Is added to the main treatment to prevent relapse of infection with the P. vivax and P. ovale parasites.Most medicines used are in pill form. Some people may need to go to a hospital for certain injections.source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria

Chikungunya, a water Borne disease is spread by mosquitoes, mostly Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus, which can also transmit dengue and Zika viruses.Symptoms of Chikungunya: Symptoms usually begin within the range of 2-12 days of mosquito bite. Abrupt onset of fever accompanied by joint pain which may last from a few days to even years. Joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rashes on the skin are also some other symptoms. Occasional cases of eye, heart, and neurological complications have also been seen.How to prevent Chikungunya: Avoiding mosquito bites is the only best protection. Empty and clean the water containers on a weekly basis and dispose of waste properly so as to reduce the chances of mosquito breeding. Apply insecticides to the surface of the containers (in and around). Wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible, use mosquito nets, close the window and door screens, apply repellants (DEET, IR3535 or icaridin) to exposed skins or clothings.Treatment of Chikungunya: Clinical management includes addressing fever and joint pain with anti-pyretics and optimal analgesics, drinking plenty of fluids and taking rest. There is no specific antiviral drug for the treatment for this. Paracetamol or acetaminophen are recommended for pain relief and reducing fever till dengue infections are ruled out.Source:-https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya

Do you know what are the top 3 deadliest diseases in the world? Do you know that some diseases can take your life in just a few days? And some diseases might already be inside you, but you don’t even notice any signs!Most 3 Infectious Deadliest Diseases in the World :- Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB)Place of Malaria: Why Malaria is 3rd most deadly diseaseIn the year 2020, 241 million malaria cases were reported, out of which 627,000 deaths occurred.Malaria is caused by a type of parasite and spreads through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. If you have ever visited Sub-Saharan regions or tropical areas, you might know a lot about malaria.94% of malaria deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, and it affects not only adults but also children under the age of 5.Why HIV/AIDS at 2nd place took 32 million lives?HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a deadly virus that attacks your immune system. If not treated on time, it can turn into AIDS.HIV/AIDS is a serious public health issue, which has affected 75 million people worldwide and has been responsible for nearly 32 million deaths.In the year 2022 alone, 0.63 million deaths were caused by HIV/AIDS, mainly affecting people between the ages of 15 and 59.Why Tuberculosis TB at Fist place as Deadliest Infectious Disease?Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria, which primarily affects the lungs. TB can also occur in other parts of the body, which is called extrapulmonary TB.In 2010, around 10 million people got TB, and nearly 1.5 million people died because of it. In 2022, after COVID-related deaths, TB caused the most deaths, with around 1.3 million people losing their lives.In all three diseases, immunity is so severely damaged that it doesn’t naturally recover, which leads to a higher death rate. However, by staying aware and educating people about prevention, these diseases can be prevented and treated.Source:- 1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34530712/

As men get older nearly the age of 25 years, their prostate gland often grows. This is a natural process called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It doesn't mean you have cancer.What are the Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?Men with BPH might never realize they have an enlarged prostate, but most often BPH does lead to some bothersome symptoms, such as:Frequent urination, especially at nightWeak urine stream like dribbling or leaking urineDifficulty starting or stopping urinationFeeling like you can't empty your bladder completelyPrevent BPH: Some lifestyle changes that can help relieve these BPH symptoms:These 5 simple steps can help reduce some of the symptoms of BPH:Exercise: Stress can be reduced by exercising and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation regularly. Some men who are nervous and tense urinate more frequently.Take time: While you are in the bathroom, take the time to empty as much of your bladder as you can. This helps reduce the need for frequent toilet visits.Prevent dribbling: To help reduce dribbling after urination, place two or three fingers of one hand about an inch behind your scrotum and gently press upward, moving towards the base of the penis.Talk with your doctor: Some medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, may affect urination. Your doctor may be able to adjust dosages, change your schedule for taking these drugs, or prescribe different medications that cause fewer urinary problems.Avoid drinking fluids in the evening: Particularly caffeinated and alcoholic beverages should be avoided.Medications and treatments are always an option, but a few simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Why not give them a try?Source:-1.https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/4-tips-for-coping-with-an-enlarged-prostate

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate gland, is a common condition in older men. It can lead to various urinary problems such as frequent urination, a weak stream, or difficulty urinating. There are several medications available to treat these symptoms. Let's learn about them:1. Alpha-blockersAlpha-blockers relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder, making urination easier. These drugs also help with other symptoms of BPH. The most commonly used drugs are Alpha-blockers:TamsulosinAlfuzosinDoxazosinThese medications are also useful for high blood pressure as they help lower blood pressure.2. 5-alpha reductase inhibitorsThese medications reduce the hormones that cause the prostate to grow, thus limiting the size of the prostate. This improves symptoms. The most common drugs are:FinasterideDutasterideIt may take some time, sometimes even months, for these medications to show their effect.3. Combination DrugsSometimes, doctors prescribe a combination of Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, as this combination can provide greater relief from symptoms. It is good for men whose symptoms are very severe and whose prostate is significantly enlarged.Always consult your doctor about your medications to ensure you receive the correct treatment.If you are experiencing persistent difficulty urinating or frequent nighttime urination, do not ignore it. Consult a doctor as soon as possible.Source:- 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK481490/ 2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6202296/