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
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
What is vaccination? Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases, before they come into contact with them. It uses your body’s natural defenses to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger. Vaccines train your immune system to create antibodies, just as it does when
What is Yellow Fever? Yellow fever is a vector-borne acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by an infection with the Yellow Fever virus (YFV). The YFV is a single-stranded RNA virus in the Flaviviridae family. The virus is transmitted by a bite of an infected mosquito vector.
What is Tuberculosis? Tuberculosis or TB, as it’s commonly called, is a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs and is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Tuberculosis is curable and preventable. TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs
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