PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The Palm Beach County Health Department is warning resisdents of a locally acquired case of the mosquito borne illness, Dengue Fever.

“we have been closely monitoring the county for the possibility of Dengue being reintroduced in our area since we have seen it in counties north and south of us,” said Health Director Alina Alonso, MD. “with today’s confirmation I am issuing a Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory.”

In 2009 locally acquired cases of Dengue were diagnosed in Key West and since then, others have been found in South Florida. this is the first locally acquired case in Palm Beach County although eight others have been reported this year and acquired out of the country.

Classic dengue fever is characterized by acute onset of high fever, 3-14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Patients develop high fevers, severe headache, muscle and bone aches, rash, severe pain behind the eyes and mild bleeding from the nose or gums. Acute symptoms, when present, usually last about 1 week, but weakness, malaise, and anorexia may persist for several weeks. Treatment emphasizes relief of symptoms, avoiding aspirin and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and drinking plenty of fluids. Severe manifestations (e.g., dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome) are rare but may be fatal.

Dengue is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is commonly known as the household mosquito but unlike others it is a day biter. The advisory encourages all to drain any standing water from around the home or business as these mosquitoes can leave their eggs in the smallest water reservoirs. all are also advised to cover their windows with screens in good condition, use air conditioning when possible and cover themselves with light weight long sleeve clothing and pants. Insect repellants containing DEET or picaridin are also effective in preventing the mosquito from biting.

Mosquito control has been notified and is stepping up its spraying efforts to reduce the Aedes mosquito population.

Persons experiencing symptoms should see their medical provider or if severe visit the nearest hospital or clinic.

What is dengue?

Dengue (pronounced den—gee) is a disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. in the Western Hemisphere, the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the most important transmitter or vector of dengue viruses. it is estimated that there are over 100 million cases of dengue worldwide each year.

What is dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)?

DHF is a more severe form of dengue infection. it can be fatal if unrecognized and not properly treated in a timely manner. DHF is caused by infection with the same viruses that cause dengue fever. with good medical management, mortality due to DHF can be less than 1 percent.

How is dengue spread?

Dengue is transmitted to people by the bite of an Aedes mosquito that is infected with a dengue virus. The mosquito becomes infected with dengue virus when it bites a person who has dengue virus in their blood. The person can either have symptoms of dengue fever or DHF, or they may have no symptoms. after about one week, the mosquito can then transmit the virus while biting a healthy person. Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person.

What are the symptoms of dengue?

The principal symptoms of dengue are high fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash and mild bleeding (e.g., nose or gums bleed, easy bruising). Generally, younger children and those with their first dengue infection have a milder illness than older children and adults.

What is the treatment for dengue?

There is no specific medication for treatment of a dengue infection. Persons who think they have dengue should use analgesics (pain relievers) with acetaminophen and avoid those containing aspirin. They should also rest, drink plenty of fluids and consult a physician. If they feel worse (e.g., develop vomiting and severe abdominal pain) in the first 24 hours after the fever declines, they should go immediately to the hospital for evaluation.

Where can outbreaks of dengue occur?

Outbreaks of dengue occur primarily in areas where Ae. aegypti (sometimes also Ae. albopictus) mosquitoes live. this includes most tropical urban areas of the world. Dengue viruses may be introduced into areas by travelers who become infected while visiting other areas of the tropics where dengue commonly exists.

What can be done to reduce the risk of acquiring dengue?

There is no vaccine for preventing dengue. The best preventive measure for residents living in areas infested with Ae. aegypti is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her eggs, primarily artificial containers that hold water. Items that collect rainwater or to store water (for example, plastic containers, 55-gallon drums, buckets, or used automobile tires) should be covered or properly discarded. Pet and animal watering containers and vases with fresh flowers should be emptied and cleaned (to remove eggs) at least once a week. this will eliminate the mosquito eggs and larvae and reduce the number of mosquitoes present in these areas. Using air conditioning or window and door screens reduces the risk of mosquitoes coming indoors. Proper application of mosquito repellents containing 20-30 percent DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing decreases the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. The risk of dengue infection for international travelers appears to be small. there is increased risk if an epidemic is in progress or visitors are in housing without air conditioning or screened windows and doors.

You already know that obvious symptoms, such as chest pain and severe abdominal pain, require immediate medical attention. but the not-so-obvious symptoms may leave you wondering whether you need to seek care. Here’s a list of symptoms that merit at least a call to your doctor. while some of them are more urgent than others, none should be ignored.

1. Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight when you’re not trying to may sound good, but in reality it can signal a health problem. If you’ve lost up 10 percent of your weight during the past six months — for instance, 15 pounds (7 kilograms) if you weigh 150 pounds (68 kilograms) — see your doctor.

An unexplained drop in weight could be caused by a number of conditions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), depression, liver disease, cancer or other noncancerous disorders, or disorders that interfere with how your body absorbs nutrients (malabsorption disorders).

2. Persistent or high fever

Fever isn’t an illness, but it is often a sign of one. Most of the time, a fever means your body is fighting a common viral or bacterial infection. However, a persistent low-grade fever — over 102 F (38.9 C) — that lasts for three days or more should be checked by your doctor. Similarly, if you have a high fever — greater than 104 F (40 C) — or if you’re otherwise severely ill, see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you have an immune system problem or take drugs that suppress your immune system, fever may not be a reliable warning sign. Ask your primary doctor or oncologist what would signal a need for an evaluation.

Persistent fever can signal hidden infections, which could be anything from a urinary tract infection to tuberculosis. At other times, malignant conditions — such as lymphomas — cause prolonged or persistent fevers, as can some medications.

3. Shortness of breath

Feeling short of breath — more than that caused by a stuffy nose or exercise — could signal an underlying health problem. If you’re unable to get your breath or you’re gasping for air or wheezing, seek emergency medical care. Feeling breathless when lying down, with or without exertion, also is a symptom that needs to be medically evaluated without delay.

Causes for breathlessness may include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism), as well as other heart and lung problems. Difficulty breathing can also occur with panic attacks, which are episodes of intense anxiety that cause physical symptoms.

4. Unexplained changes in bowel habits

People often wonder what “normal” means in terms of bowel movements. it varies widely, but anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is considered normal. Know what is typical for you. call your doctor if you notice unusual or unexplained changes such as:

• Bloody stools
• Diarrhea lasting a week
• Constipation that lasts for more than three weeks
• Unexplained urges to have a bowel movement
• Black or tarry-colored stools

Changes in bowel habits may signal a bacterial infection — such as campylobacter or salmonella — or a viral infection or parasitic infestation. among other possible causes are inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.

5. Delirium

Delirium is sudden severe confusion and rapid change in mental state, such as from lethargy to agitation. Close friends or family members may be the ones who notice this symptom. immediate medical evaluation is warranted if you have any of the following:

• Sudden confused thinking
• Disorientation — confusion about time or place
• Sudden personality or behavior changes, such as becoming aggressive
• Sudden problems with concentration or memory

Changes in behavior or thinking may be due to many problems, including infection, anemia, low blood sugar, or psychiatric conditions or medications, especially ones you’ve recently started taking.

6. Sudden severe headache

Headaches are common and generally not a cause for concern. However, a sudden severe headache could signal a serious problem. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden severe headache like a clap of thunder
• Headache accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion or seizures
• New pattern of headaches after age 55

The last item may indicate that you have temporal arteritis — inflammation of the arteries in the scalp, brain and eyes — a rare, but treatable condition that usually begins in middle age. other possible causes of severe headache may include a brain tumor or aneurysm.

7. Sudden weakness, loss of vision or speech

If you have these signs or symptoms, minutes count. They’re warning signs of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a ministroke. Seek immediate emergency medical care if you have:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Sudden dimness, blurring or loss of vision
• Loss of speech or trouble understanding others
• Unexplained dizziness or unsteadiness, or a sudden fall
• Sudden severe headache, like a “bolt out of the blue”

8. Flashes of light

The sudden sensation of seeing flashing lights may signal retinal detachment. immediate medical care may prevent permanent vision loss.

9. Feeling full after eating very little

Early satiety — feeling full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual — that lasts for more than a week should be checked by your doctor. it may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, and weight loss or gain. If so, tell your doctor about these signs or symptoms too.

Possible causes of early satiety include heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as more-serious problems such as gastric outlet obstruction or esophageal cancer or stomach problems.

10. Hot, red or swollen joint

If one of your joints is swollen or inflamed, it may signal a joint infection, which requires emergency care. other causes may include gout or some types of arthritis.

analysis and treatment of swine toxoplasmosis 1 Introduction Toxoplasmosis is also known as toxoplasmosis or toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii infection is caused by animal and human zoonotic protozoosis. the disease to high fever, respiratory and neurological symptoms, animals, animal deaths and pregnancy abortion, stillbirth, fetal malformations as the main feature.

disease pathogen is bow insects, carved in the entire development process 5 types, namely, trophozoites (tachyzoites), cysts, schizont, gametocyte and oocyst. gondii development process requires two hosts, which is the trophozoites and cysts intermediate host (humans, pigs, dogs, cats, etc.) formed in vivo, schizont, gametocyte and oocyst in the final host (cat) in vivo formation.

final host is the cat among both host. parasite in cat intestinal epithelial cells, the fission reproduction, reproductive fission repeated several times, the formation of a large number of merozoites, the last merozoites re-enter the epithelial cells, through the reproductive gametes, and finally the formation of oocysts. oocysts excreted with the feces, in the outside world the right temperature, humidity and oxygen conditions, after development of the infectious sporulated oocysts.

discharged from the final host of the oocysts can survive in the outside world 100 days to 1 year and a half, no effect on the general disinfectant. tachyzoite resistance to the weak, the loss of a few hours in saline appeal, a variety of disinfectant can be quickly killed.

3 treatment mechanism

Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost all types of cells. toxoplasma from invading the body parts into the blood and quickly spread into monocytes – macrophages and host tissue cells of various organs or the breeding until the cells burst, can also escape tachyzoites invade neighboring cells, so repeated incessantly, causing local tissue necrosis and focal inflammation of surrounding tissue, this is the acute phase of the basic disease. such as immune function in patients normal, which can quickly generate specific immune clearance of Toxoplasma gondii, the formation of latent infection; parasite can form cysts in the body, long-term potential; once the body immune function, encapsulated in slow tachyzoites escape the broken capsule, causing recurrent . If the patient immunocompromised, is the large population of insects, causing damage to the body disseminated. gondii can be used as antigen, causing allergic reactions, the formation of teeth in the meat to inflammation. In addition, focal damage caused by Toxoplasma gondii, can still cause serious secondary disease, such as small thrombosis, local tissue infarction, hemorrhage and inflammatory cells around the wrapping, for a long time to form the cavity or the occurrence of calcification.

Toxoplasma gondii can affect all kinds of dirty , or organization, predilection sites of lesions in the central nervous system, eyes, lymph nodes, heart, lung, liver and muscle.

4.1 source of infection

cat is the most important source of infection, especially with cat feces discharged oocysts contaminated feed and drinking water are a major source of infection. Putian, Fujian, a pig farm in 1980, because cats rodents and outbreaks of swine toxoplasmosis.

pigs were mainly eating parasite oocysts or meat of animals, organs, secretions and other beverages and drinking water contaminated by digestive tract infection. tachyzoites may also be through the mouth, nose, throat, respiratory mucosa and damaged skin and into the pigs. sows also infect the fetus through the placenta, the phenomenon is widespread.

disease prevalent in the age of 3 months or more varieties of pigs, some acute death, the individual in the 5 ~ 6 days after the onset of failure and died..

the disease-free significant seasonal. in some places in the hot summer month of the season 6-9 multiple.

General pigs after acute infection after 3-7 days of incubation, showing very similar symptoms and classical swine fever, body temperature rises to 40.5-42 ?, missed 7-10 days, pigs depression, decreased appetite, never to waste, hi water, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea. breathing difficulties, often has dogs sitting breathing or abdominal breathing. hindlimb weakness, shaking walking, hi lying. nose dry, coarse hair disorder, conjunctival flushing. as the disease develops, the ears, nose, inside of hind legs stock and lower abdominal skin between purple spots or bleeding. ill post serious difficulty breathing, shaking or rear downer, duration of 10-15 days.

resistant acute pigs had normally after 2 weeks of recovery, but are often left with coughing, breathing difficulties and paralysis of the hindquarters, torticollis, epilepsy-like seizures and other neurological symptoms.

piglets to neurological symptoms, such as circling, ataxia, and so on. 5.3 Pigs

fattening pigs and gilts showed a large can or tar-like Campylobacter was no blood in the diarrhea.

pregnant sows if acute toxoplasmosis, high fever, do not eat, mental Weidun and lethargy, this can produce symptoms for several days after the stillbirth or miscarriage, even if the output will be alive acute death or hypoplasia, not eating or freaks. sows often heal quickly after giving birth.

6 pathological changes

visceral most characteristic lesions of the lung , lymph nodes and liver, followed by spleen, kidney, intestine. lung was lobar pneumonia, dark red, interstitial widening, and expansion into the slurry containing large amounts of lung airless, cut out large amounts of slurry with foam. the body size of lymph nodes ranging from bleeding and necrosis of gray points, especially inguinal and mesenteric lymph nodes the most significant. liver swelling and a diffuse large tip to the soybean necrotic gray or sallow. spleen early in the disease a significant swelling, a small amount of bleeding point, the late decline. kidney section with the tip surface and bleeding points. mucosal hypertrophy, erosion, bleeding from the jejunum to the colon spots. pericardium, chest and abdominal cavity with water. histopathological changes to, focal liver necrosis, congestion, systemic lymph node congestion, hemorrhage, non-suppurative encephalitis, pulmonary edema and interstitial pneumonia, necrosis in the liver cytoplasm of liver cells surrounding the alveolar epithelial cells and mononuclear cells, lymph node sinus endothelial cells common are single and in pairs or gondii ranging from 3,5 orders, the shape is round, oval, arched or crescent shapes, etc..

no specific clinical symptoms of the disease, pathological change should be based on pathology, and pathogenic and serological examination to make diagnosis.

7.1 pathological change

visual body mucosa, ears, belly and legs inside of the skin flake purple patch. systemic lymph node high degree of congestion and edema. thorax, abdomen large effusion. lung dark red, shiny, cut out red and yellow foamy liquid, between the quality of thickening, bleeding points and gray necrosis. liver, spleen and kidney necrosis sallow sizes, kidneys were khaki. heart soft texture, significant expansion of the right ventricle. fundic gland area mucosa flushing, bleeding . mucosal bleeding point.

? direct microscopic examination: take lymph nodes, blood, brain, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and muscle smears, stained examination whether Toxoplasma gondii. ? animal experiment: the organization of the various organs of normal saline was injected into mice intraperitoneally emulsion. If mice morbidity or mortality, ascites can be used syringe, made of pressed, using high magnification Check for speed crack body.

7.3 Serological tests

staining reaction used to free toxoplasmosis (speed split body), respectively, in normal and immune serum by a -2 hours later, remove the addition and subtraction of the blue. after making the Toxoplasma antibody stained not color, check out the Huanchu Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum exists in animals 2 weeks after onset can have this reaction, this method is used in early diagnosis.

8 swine disease control

selected sulfonamide must be chosen with “trimethoprim” (TMP) of sulfa drugs. where the sulfa drugs preceded by a “synergistic” or “compound” should have added a representative of TMP. sulfadiazine sodium, such as efficiency, efficiency sulfa -5– pyrimidine trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim hydrochloride efficiency, cotrimoxazole and other one either.

? sulfa -6– methoxy-pyrimidine (SMM), per kilogram of body weight per day 60mg, dubbed the solution for intramuscular injection of 10%, with 3-5 days. ? sulfadiazine (SD) plus pyrimethamine, the former per kilogram of body weight 70mg, which per kilogram of body weight 6mg, 2 times a day medication, the amount of the first times, even serving for 3-5 days. ? amine phenylsulfonyl (SDDS), 15mg per kg body weight drug. ? sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), per kilogram of 100mg, 1 time a day medication, and even served 2-3 days. ? efficiency sulfa -5– methoxy pyrimidine (containing 10% sulfa -5– methoxy pyrimidine and 2% three Trimethoprim), per kilogram of body weight does not exceed the amount of 2ml intramuscular injection, day 1, even the injection for 3-5 days. ? acetylspiramycin per kg body weight 5mg, 2 times a day service, the first times the amount, and even clothes 2-3 days.

for toxoplasmosis, only sulfa drug effects, other antibiotics ineffective, and the use of the medication must adhere to strict principles: first, the dose should be sufficient, the first dose should be doubled; secondly, according to sulfa drugs in the body to maintain the time, strict compliance with therapy; the third, stopping too early, treatment of the disease a course of treatment takes 5 to 7 days, usually to 5 days, pig temperature drops, there appetite, but this time not stopping, we must continue medication 1 to 2 days, or easy to relapse, and relapse after treatment is extremely difficult. Fourth , ill pigs sulfa 6 – methoxy-pyrimidine intravenous injection, efficacy fast, and can quickly control outbreaks of disease development, the amount of 0.5 ml / kg; to be in remission, may reduce the number of drugs, or changed to oral therapy. muscle large injection of drugs, be sure to use multi-point, deep intramuscular injection, is conducive to drug absorption.

in pig farms and the surrounding technology support should be banned cat, the breeder should also avoid contact with cats.

barn to keep clean, regular disinfection of the sows aborted fetuses, feces and dead bodies should be strictly treated to prevent pollution of the environment.

in disease-prone season, were added per ton of feed, 500 grams of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine 25 grams, and even fed one week, can effectively prevent the occurrence of toxoplasmosis.

From the article – the piglets Network

People are being warned by the Department of Health (DOH) that if they have received any fire-cracker related injury during new Year celebration, they could probably get infected with tetanus.

Dr. Eric Tayag, Director of DOH-National Epidemiology Center (NEC), is urging people to get immediate treatment if they received firecracker-related injuries so as to safeguard themselves against tetanus. Tetanus is bacteria that infects wounds and if left untreated, could prove deadly.

He says that one affected with tetanus exhibits symptoms such as lockjaw, high fever, headache and weakness and the illness could crop up from eight days to three weeks after receiving the injury.

On Monday, the DOH revealed that the number of injuries received during the new Year festivities surged to 891, including 844 caused by firecrackers, 36 by stray bullets and 11 by fireworks’ intake. Most of the firecracker-related injuries were the result of the use of piccolo, kwitis and 5-star.

Majority of the causalities i. e. 55% were found in Metro Manila and among them 95% of the cases were consequences of firecrackers’ use, 4% of stray bullets and 1% of firework ingestion.

Tayag told that they were providing treatment to patients affected with all kinds of injuries.Image Copyright: ABF@commonswiki (under Creative Commons license)

3 days ago i met with a friends and yesterday he went to the hospital with high fever and feeling dizzy. the doctors said he has all the symptoms of swine flu and i was just wandering if i feel absolutely fine does that mean that i didn't take the virus from him or does it take a couple of days for the symptoms to manifest?

I have CD and was wondering about some of the sores in the mouth and was also wondering if people gets sores on their genital form CD.

Abdominal pain. the pain often is described as cramping and intermittent, and the abdomen may be sore when touched. Abdominal pain may turn to a dull, constant ache as the condition progresses.
Diarrhea. Some people may have diarrhea 10 to 20 times per day. They may wake up at night and need to go to the bathroom. Crohn's disease may cause blood in stools, but not always.
Loss of appetite.
Fever. In severe cases, fever or other symptoms that affect the entire body may develop. A high fever may mean that you have a complication involving infection, such as an abscess.
Weight loss. Ongoing symptoms, such as diarrhea, can lead to weight loss.
Too few red blood cells (anemia). Some people with Crohn's disease develop anemia because of low iron levels caused by bloody stools or the intestinal inflammation itself.

more info go to webmd.com

doesnt sound like fun!

Published: January 24, 2011

For more than two years, Dolores Claesson has fought a microscopic enemy, a germ passed into her 17-year-old daughter, Sofia, by a sesame seed-size tick.

If caught early, Lyme disease could have been easily treated, said Dolores Claesson, who runs a support group and manages a widespread network of Lyme disease patents and researchers. But because the malady has not really found a home in Florida yet, she said, doctors here are reluctant to diagnose it.

And some medical researchers agree, saying many doctors simply are complying with a study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America that warns against over-diagnosing Lyme disease because its symptoms are so complex and mimic other ailments.

In Sofia’s case, doctors misdiagnosed her disease and mistreated it, stretching her sickness from days to months and eventually years. Now, her immune system is depleted and she is a perfect host to any virus that comes along, her mom said. Just this week, the teen spent eight hours in a doctor’s office getting an intravenous antibiotic drip.

In October 2008, Sofia contracted a high fever, a sore throat and her doctor said it was mono, Dolores Claesson said, and referred the teen to other physicians.

“A pediatric physician said it was fatigue syndrome,” Claesson said, “that it was hormonal and common among high achieving girls. he told me to take her on a 20-minute walk three times a week and she would be fine.” the doctor also advised Claesson to take her daughter to a psychiatrist.

After a while, Sofia developed warts on bottoms of her feet and began sleeping 20 hours a day, her mom said.

“In all,” she said, “we saw about 20 doctors.”

None thought of Lyme disease.

“This is normal.” Claesson said. “They don’t know about it. They don’t know the signs and symptoms. in the Northeast, it’s different. But here in Florida, doctors don’t know about it and don’t know how to diagnose it. They don’t know how to treat it.

“I want my kid fixed,” she said. “Doctors here are like ostriches putting their heads in the sand. It’s been 27 months of pure hell,” she said.

Over the past couple of years, Claesson, who has an educational background in biochemistry but chose a career in business, is host to a Lyme disease support group that includes 400 researchers, doctors and victims in 40 countries.

“We’re lepers,” Claesson said. “We can’t get any treatment. It’s bankrupted people. We are the new HIV/AIDS patients and we are being ignored by physicians and if they do let us know we have Lyme disease, they tell us to go to new York. We can’t all fly to new York for treatment.”

She said her daughter, who has missed much of the past two years of school, likely contracted the disease during a recent trip to Europe.

She understands that doctors here are not familiar with the disease. They are pressured to diagnose something during short office visits and most of the time, the patient actually suffers from the flu, she said. Lyme disease symptoms are complicated, she said, and often look like the common flu.

“Doctors have only 10 minutes to make a diagnosis,” she said. “Mostly, it’s hit or miss with cures.”

At 42, Shawn Ingram should be at the peak of his career as a paramedic firefighter. instead, he’s holed up in his house, on full disability because of Lyme disease.

He’s been sick for 12 years and was diagnosed with Lyme disease eight years ago.

“Back then, I had no idea what was going on,” he said. “Being in the medical field and 30 years old, I was gangbusters. I was a nothing-can-harm-me kind of guy.”

One day he came down with a bad flu, he said. “It never went away.”

Fatigue, exhaustion set in.

“My mental clarity was gone,” he said. “Now, I don’t have endurance and some days just walking though the house is taxing.”

A Florida native, Ingram said he thinks he was bitten by a tick somewhere in Central Florida, perhaps when he was fighting brush fires.

Doctors in Florida passed him around, unable to diagnose what was wrong, he said. “It took me about three years to find a doctor,” he said. “I even went to the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville. in those three years, I saw about 18 doctors. I saw infectious disease specialists, a cardiologist and internal medicine specialists.”

They guessed at different maladies, he said. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia topped the list.

Lyme disease, at the time, just didn’t happen in Florida, he said.

“Nobody was really treating it,” said Ingram of Tampa, “until I got diagnosed eight years ago.”

Finally, he found a local doctor who drew blood and sent it to a specialized laboratory in California. the results: Lyme disease, he said.

Since then, he has reached out to people with Lyme disease, offering whatever support he could.

“I’ve seen people recover from it and I’ve seen people not recover from it,” he said. “If it’s caught early, it is a treatable disease. But, the medical system in Florida needs to be educated; doctors in Florida need to be educated.”

Lyme disease was first documented in the United States in 1975 and is named for the town in Connecticut where some of the first cases occurred. Experts say that over 16,000 cases a year have been reported in the United States since1993, mostly in the Northeast.

A tick-born disease similar to Lyme is sweeping across the southeastern United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) is caused by the lone-star tick.

But, unlike Lyme disease, STARI has not been linked to arthritic, neurological or chronic symptoms.

While the cause of STARI is unknown, studies have shown that is not caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, the CDC reported.

Carol Fisch is a medical researcher living in Sarasota who has devoted much of her work to Lyme disease. Diagnosed with Lyme disease 18 years ago in Michigan, she said she was sick for five years before doctors correctly discovered what was ailing her.

Now, she heads a support group for Lyme disease victims.

“The disease is spreading faster than wildfire,” she said. while many cases diagnosed here originate in other states, Florida is home to ticks that carry Lyme disease, she said.

She admits that Lyme disease is complex. Symptoms caused by pathogens that are difficult to detect vary widely and in some cases are indistinguishable from other diseases.

“The way it will show itself may be different in different people,” she said. “A lot has to do with genetics.

“Physicians need to be aware that it’s here,” she said. “For every case that is diagnosed, 100 are misdiagnosed.”

Across Florida, Lyme disease cases have more than tripled since 2007, according to the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Statistics and Assessments, though the numbers are not staggering.

In 2007, 30 Lyme disease diagnoses were reported in Florida and that jumped to 88 in 2008. in 2009, the last year available, Florida recorded 110 cases of Lyme disease.

In 2009, Hillsborough County’s 11 reported Lyme disease cases tied Sarasota and Lee counties for the most among Florida’s 67 counties. the county only had one case reported in 2007 and two in 2008.

real high fever , body feels hot but patient feels ice cold n shivers , weakness ,body pain , lack of interest in eating( but one shld eat) genrally empr incr in afternoon . feel like puking etc
one shld consult doc immediately n keep body tempr in ctrl

The classical (but rarely observed) malaria attack lasts 6-10 hours. it consists of:

a cold stage (sensation of cold, shivering)
a hot stage (fever, headaches, vomiting; seizures in young children)
and finally a sweating stage (sweats, return to normal temperature, tiredness)
Classically (but infrequently observed) the attacks occur every second day with the "tertian" parasites (P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. ovale) and every third day with the "quartan" parasite (P. malariae).

More commonly, the patient presents with a combination of the following symptoms:

Fever
Chills
Sweats
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Body aches
General malaise.
In countries where cases of malaria are infrequent, these symptoms may be attributed to influenza, a cold, or other common infections, especially if malaria is not suspected. Conversely, in countries where malaria is frequent, residents often recognize the symptoms as malaria and treat themselves without seeking diagnostic confirmation ("presumptive treatment").

Physical findings may include:

Elevated temperature
Perspiration
Weakness
Enlarged spleen.
In P. falciparum malaria, additional findings may include:

Mild jaundice
Enlargement of the liver
Increased respiratory rate.
Diagnosis of malaria depends on the demonstration of parasites on a blood smear examined under a microscope. In P. falciparum malaria, additional laboratory findings may include mild anemia, mild decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), elevation of bilirubin, elevation of aminotransferases, albuminuria, and the presence of abnormal bodies in the urine (urinary "casts").

Severe Malaria
Severe malaria occurs when P. falciparum infections are complicated by serious organ failures or abnormalities in the patient's blood or metabolism. the manifestations of severe malaria include:

Cerebral malaria, with abnormal behavior, impairment of consciousness, seizures, coma, or other neurologic abnormalities
Severe anemia due to hemolysis (destruction of the red blood cells)
Hemoglobinuria (hemoglobin in the urine) due to hemolysis
Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which may occur even after the parasite counts have decreased in response to treatment
Abnormalities in blood coagulation and thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood platelets)
Cardiovascular collapse and shock
Other manifestations that should raise concern are:

Acute kidney failure
Hyperparasitemia, where more than 5% of the red blood cells are infected by malaria parasites
Metabolic acidosis (excessive acidity in the blood and tissue fluids), often in association with hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Hypoglycaemia may also occur in pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria, or after treatment with quinine.
Severe malaria occurs most often in persons who have no immunity to malaria or whose immunity has decreased. These include all residents of areas with low or no malaria transmission, and young children and pregnant women in areas with high transmission.

In all areas, severe malaria is a medical emergency and should be treated urgently and aggressively.

Malaria Relapses
In P. vivax and P. ovale infections, patients having recovered from the first episode of illness may suffer several additional attacks ("relapses") after months or even years without symptoms. Relapses occur because P. vivax and P. ovale have dormant liver stage parasites ("hypnozoites") that may reactivate. Treatment to reduce the chance of such relapses is available and should follow treatment of the first attack.

Other Manifestations of Malaria
Neurologic defects may occasionally persist following cerebral malaria, especially in children. such defects include troubles with movements (ataxia), palsies, speech difficulties, deafness, and blindness.
Recurrent infections with P. falciparum may result in severe anemia. this occurs especially in young children in tropical Africa with frequent infections that are inadequately treated.
Malaria during pregnancy (especially P. falciparum) may cause severe disease in the mother, and may lead to premature delivery or delivery of a low-birth-weight baby.
On rare occasions, P. vivax malaria can cause rupture of the spleen or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Nephrotic syndrome (a chronic, severe kidney disease) can result from chronic or repeated infections with P. malariae.
Hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly (also called "tropical splenomegaly syndrome") occurs infrequently and is attributed to an abnormal immune response to repeated malarial infections. the disease is marked by a very enlarged spleen and liver, abnormal immunologic findings, anemia, and a susceptibility to other infections (such as skin or respiratory infections).

Vomiting/diarrhoea. Basically shitting and puking

(i am a doc)feeling extremely cold with riggers and shivering, that with a warm body but cold feet, aching all over body especially in the back, this continues for half hour to 2-3hours, then a sudden feeling of nausea,vomiting, afterwards with a better light feeling + the temperature goes down by this time and there is intense sweating

hi, just go to miraclemineral.org/

Malaria is a common infection in hot, tropical areas but can also occur (rarely) in temperate climates. it is caused by any of four single-celled parasites of the Plasmodium species, which are carried by mosquitoes infected from biting someone who already has the disease. Malaria is then transmitted to other people when they are bitten by the infected mosquitoes. it is rarely passed from person to person (from mother to child in "congenital malaria," or through blood transfusion, organ donation, or shared needles).

Worldwide, 300-500 million people are infected with malaria each year. Most cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 2 million people dying there each year. Malaria is rare in the United States, with only about 1,300 cases reported each year over the last 10 years. Most of these cases occurred in travelers, military personnel, and immigrants who had become infected by malaria parasites outside the United States.

Signs and Symptoms
A child with early symptoms of malaria may be irritable and drowsy, with poor appetite and trouble sleeping. These symptoms are usually followed by chills, then a fever with rapid breathing. the fever may either gradually increase over 1 to 2 days or may rise very suddenly to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius) or above. Then, as fever ends and body temperature quickly returns to normal, the child has an intense episode of sweating. the same pattern of symptoms – chills, fever, sweating – may repeat at intervals of 2 or 3 days, depending on which particular species of malaria parasite is causing the infection. because the initial symptoms are not specific and can be mistaken for other diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose. In countries where the disease is seen a lot, it's not uncommon for doctors to treat people for malaria who have fever of no obvious cause without getting laboratory confirmation.

Other symptoms of malaria include headache, nausea, aches and pains all over the body (especially the back and abdomen), and an abnormally large spleen. When malaria affects the brain, a child may have convulsions or lose consciousness. If malaria affects the kidneys, the amount of urine produced by the child may be abnormally low. In falciparum malaria, caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, the episode of fever and chills is especially intense, and this variety may be fatal in about 20% of cases.

Once malaria parasites enter the bloodstream, they travel to the liver and multiply. Every few days, thousands of parasites are released from the liver into the blood, where they destroy red blood cells. some parasites also remain in the liver and continue to multiply, releasing more parasites into the blood every few days.

The incubation period for malaria is the time between the mosquito bite and the release of parasites from the liver. this varies, depending on which malaria parasite is causing the disease. In general, it can range from 10 days to a month.

With treatment, malaria can usually be cured in about 2 weeks. Without treatment, it can be fatal, especially in children who are poorly nourished.

Prevention
Health authorities try to prevent malaria by using mosquito-control programs aimed at killing mosquitoes that carry the disease. If you travel to an area of the world with a high risk for malaria, you can install window screens, use insect repellents, and place mosquito netting over beds. Insecticide-impregnated bed netting has successfully reduced the number of malarial deaths among African children.

Check with your doctor before visiting any tropical or subtropical area at high risk for malaria. your doctor can give your family anti-malarial drugs to prevent the disease. several malaria vaccines are currently being developed and tested across the world, but because the malaria parasite has a complicated life cycle, it is a difficult vaccine to develop.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose malaria by using special blood tests. A blood sample is sent to the laboratory and checked under a microscope for malaria parasites, which may be seen inside infected red blood cells.

Doctors treat malaria with anti-malarial drugs, such as chloroquine or quinine, given by mouth, by injection, or intravenously (into the veins). Depending on the type of parasite causing the malaria, a person can be treated as an outpatient over a few days or may require hospitalization with IV medication. Doctors also watch for signs of dehydration, convulsions, anemia, and other complications that can affect the brain, kidneys, or spleen. the patient may require fluids, blood transfusions, and breathing assistance.

Malaria is a leading cause of death worldwide. If diagnosed early and treated, it can be cured. however, many people who live in areas where malaria is common get repeated infections and never really recover between episodes of illness.

My family has had a possible stomach virus since Tuesday, the symptoms start to wane and then fire right back
up. Any possible suggestions that we are dealing with something other than the everyday virus?

all the normal things of hand washing, washing everything in hot water and plenty of antibacterial products have been done

I had the same thing 2 weeks ago. You were right about trying all those things but try something else. if they have a high fever sit in hot bath water.

For the stomach virus my mom just locked me in my room, i got over it in like 7 days.

There has been a high volume of calls to the GP out of Hours Service from people with flu-like symptoms over the Christmas break so as a second long weekend approaches, the NHS Isle of Wight is urging people to stock up with home remedies for flu-like symptoms.  This will help health services run smoothly and ensure those with urgent symptoms receive treatment.

The majority of people with flu-like illnesses do not need to ring the Island’s out of Hours Service.   the very old, very young, pregnant women and people with serious chronic conditions are more susceptible to complications from flu and they may require medical attention.   People with a high fever need to drink plenty of fluids – especially the young and old – and those with conditions such as asthma and diabetes to consider whether they need a flu vaccination.

If people have flu-like illness they can speak with their community pharmacist who is a qualified expert and can give confidential advice on common minor illnesses like coughs and colds and headaches, as well as advice on the most effective over-the-counter remedies.  Extended opening hours (the late opening rota) are advertised in the County Press.

Advice about treating flu-like illness is also available from NHS Direct 24 hours a day by calling 0845 46 47 or by visiting nhsdirect.nhs.uk.  Qualified nurses can provide free, expert health advice and information.

NHS Isle of Wight’s Director of Public Health, Dr Jenifer Smith, said; “If you have flu like symptoms drink lots of fluids and avoid spreading your cold.   we want everyone to have fun and enjoyable New Year’s celebration and this can be achieved if everyone plays a role. Choose well is a simple message; before going to your GP, the Beacon Health Centre or the Emergency Department (A&E) think about whether this is the right choice to make and what other options you might have.  This will save time and take a huge amount of pressure off the emergency departments if everyone chooses well.”

Full details of how to choose well, including opening hours for local pharmacies, GP’s and other NHS services across Hampshire, visit iow.nhs.uk/choosewell

Choose well: What services do and when to use them

Self care – make sure your vaccinations, including flu, are up to date.  your GP or pharmacist can advise.   be prepared!   keep your home first aid kit stocked for problems like hangovers, colds and sneezes, sore throats and grazed knees.  Items like the following are good to keep to hand:

• Paracetamol and aspirin tablets (aspirin should not be given to children under 16 or people with asthma).
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen syrups for children.
• Mild laxatives to relieve constipation.
• Rehydration mixtures for diarrhoea or vomiting; use if feeling dehydrated.
• Indigestion remedy and travel sickness tablets for family trips.
• Tweezers and sharp scissors.
• Bandages, plasters and dressings.
• Thermometer to check for fever.

For more information visit iow.nhs.uk/selfcare.

NHS Direct – advice is available via NHS Direct 24 hours a day by calling 0845 46 47 or visit nhsdirect.nhs.uk.  NHS Direct provides free expert health advice and information. it is run by qualified nurses.

Pharmacies – visit your local pharmacy for help in treating minor ailments and for general health advice. many pharmacies have private consultation rooms. Pharmacists are trained to treat minor illness and to tell a minor ailment from something that might be more serious. If you need an over-the-counter medicine, a pharmacist can help you choose which is the best for you and your symptoms. they will also tell you when you need to see your doctor and when you can treat yourself with an over-the counter medicine. Visit iow.nhs.uk/pharmacy for more information.

Emergency Dental Helpline – the Emergency Dental Helpline is available for emergency appointments.  Contact them on 0845 050 8345 or visit hampshiredentalhelpline.nhs.uk.

GP surgery – if the options above are not appropriate to your condition, you can call your surgery for an appointment with your GP or practice nurse.   your GP can help with vaccinations, prescriptions, medical advice and care.  many surgeries now have extended opening hours.  To find your local GP call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit iow.nhs.uk/gp or nhs.uk.   If your surgery is closed you can call the Island Health Line (out of hours service) on 0845 6031 007 to arrange to see a doctor.

Beacon Health Centre – the Beacon Health Centre at St Mary’s Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week for advice and treatment for minor illnesses or injury. No appointment is needed.  more information is available at  iow.nhs.uk/beacon.

Emergency Department – the Emergency Department at St Mary’s Hospital should be attended if a patient experiences chest pain, blacking out and severe blood loss. the Emergency Department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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