While no dengue fever related deaths have been confirmed, the Ministry of Health is investigating several claims of deaths as a result of the illness, according to Dr. Delon Brennen, deputy chief medical officer.

“We do know that there have been some reports and we’re investigating those on behalf of the Ministry of Health,” Dr. Brennen said.

“We’re getting samples of blood from those patients in order to send it out so that we can figure out whether it was related or not.  In addition to that, you also have to investigate some of the past medical conditions that persons had in order to really see whether dengue was a contributing factor to their death.”

There have been around 1,000 combined clinically diagnosed and laboratory confirmed cases of dengue in recent months, according to data from the Ministry of Health.

Officials have said previously that the strain of dengue fever that is seen locally is not the fatal form of the illness.

However, Dr. Brennen explained that dengue fever, like the common flu, can lead to complications in people who have existing medical issues.

“So anytime you have a complicating medical illness, one of the chronic non-communicable diseases, an immune deficiency, any of those can lead you to worse outcomes as well.  so if you are susceptible to getting infections, you too will (be vulnerable).  Influenza will do the same thing.  If you have chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), if you get influenza you will get sicker than most people will.  so it’s the same thing with dengue.  If you already have any chronic non-communicable disease, dengue just complicates that on top of it,” he said.

Yesterday online media reports suggested that one man died as a result of dengue.

Dr. Brennen said he is not surprised about the number of death claims the Ministry of Health has received.

“When people die during an outbreak such as this, lots of people claim things.  so what we need to do is investigate all of those claims,” he said.

In recent days, a large number of people have gone to public and private hospitals and clinics exhibiting symptoms of the virus.

Dr. Brennen said that up to yesterday there were 90 laboratory confirmed dengue cases.  however, there are hundreds of other clinically diagnosed cases.

“When you consider the case definition with persons who come in with symptoms close to dengue such as headache, fever, or pain behind the eye, we have more patients.  so you’re still talking about 1,000 of those patients who have been seen,” he said.

“But again those numbers are truly preliminary because without being able to confirm which of those cases are definitely dengue, it’s purely preliminary. As time goes some cases may be added and some may be taken out.”

Dengue fever is transmitted through the sting of the aedes aegypti mosquito. The Department of Environmental Health Services is fogging throughout New Providence and some of the Family Islands in order to reduce the mosquito population in the country.

Health officials say individuals should take steps to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around their homes by removing all standing water in discarded cans, bottles, and tires and draining water from the base of planters.

People with mild symptoms are being asked to treat themselves at home by getting rest, drinking fluids and taking painkillers such as Panadol or Tylenol for fever, headache and joint and muscle pain.

However, if symptoms persists infected people should seek medical attention.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is the most deadly form of the disease and it is not common in The Bahamas.

There is an old joke about a man who felt he had symptoms of STD. Too bashful to have himself tested, he waited until he couldn’t stand the itching in his organs any more. he finally went to a doctor. The doctor gave him a check up and said, a??The infection is too bad, you will need a lot of medication.a? Unsatisfied, he went to see another doctor. The second doctor looked him over and said, a??The infection has gotten worse, you’ll need an operation.a? still unbelieving, he decided to try untraditional medical advice. he went to downtown and saw a Chinese doctor. just one look at his organs, the Chinese doctor shakes his head. a??No need for medicine. No need for operation!a? the Chinaman declares. The man was so relieved and excited. a??Really?a? he says. a??Yes!a? said the Chinese doctor,a?Infection so bad, pecker will just fall off!a?

In really life having STD symptoms is not a joke. of course, the male organ will not just fall off if he has STD. but leaving STD untreated can lead to far worse medical conditions. With STDs or Sexually Transmitted Diseases, some forms may or may not show any symptoms. The irony of it is that some symptoms are often mistaken for other less disastrous diseases. So the only sure way to find out if what you are having are signs of STDs is to have yourself checked in a reputable STD testing center.

Some STD symptoms in males differ from that of women. if you take a review of the male biological structure, the male reproductive organs are more exposed than that of women. some symptoms would manifest themselves more visually on males than in females. it is good to know if the physical symptoms you are experiencing are indicative of STDs. Below are examples of the most common symptoms and STDs that occur in males. This however does not serve as a means to self diagnose or be a reason not to seek professional help. it is still best to visit the nearest STD testing clinic.

Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus 2. The STD Symptoms in Male is the appearance of painful tiny sores and blisters on the penis. These appear on the first outbreak usually within the first 2 weeks of exposure. The sores will appear to heal during the 2 to 4th week. The second stage of Herpes is the appearance of a 2nd batch of sores along with other flu like symptoms such as fever and swollen glands. These sores are mistaken for insect bites or another form of skin disease. if left untreated, these sores are very recurrent. An infected person will experience at least 4 to 5 outbreaks in a 12 month period. The only accurate way to detect Herpes is to undergo a viral and blood test in an STD clinic.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

STD Symptoms in Males of these diseases are quite similar. Symptoms of Gonorrhea appear 2 to 30 days after the man is infected. With Chlamydia, the man may or may not have symptoms but if he does it usually appears between the first to third weeks from the day of exposure. This bacterial infection invades the penis and urinary tract causing discomfort every time the man urinates or have sex. The man will also have a burning, itching sensation around the genitals. Pain and swelling of the testicles is also evident. With men, an abnormal discharge comes out of the penis usually white, yellow or green in color. if the man engages in anal sex, he may also experience discharges and bleeding in the anus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION: After being exposed to an STD, when will a male start having symptoms?Is 3-4 months too long for a guy to just now start showing symtpoms of an STD like gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, etc. if he contracted it months ago? Like if he started getting discharge would that be because of an STD he caught months ago? cause I heard guys show symptoms very fast. Please no answers like it can take months because after being infected you’ll start to have symptoms, i know from experience.

   • ANSWER: just because yo don’t see it doesn’t mean you can’t get it from him. use a condom . . . every time.

2. QUESTION: AFTER BEING EXPOSED TO AN STD, WHEN WILL A MALE PRODUCE SYMPTOMS?Is 3-4 months too long for a guy to just now start showing symtpoms of an STD like gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, etc. if he contracted it months ago? Like if he started getting discharge would that be because of an STD he caught months ago? cause I heard guys show symptoms very fast. Please no answers like it can take months because after being infected you’ll start to have symptoms, i know from experience.

   • ANSWER: The fact that you had symptoms of an STD soon after you were infected does NOT mean that everyone sees symptoms just as fast.

     It could take several months, or even longer, for symptoms of STDs to show up, depending on the type of STD, and depending on the person. The fact that symptoms may take a long time to appear is one reason testing is so important. For example, someone could have HIV for several years before symptoms appear, but more than 98% of people who have HIV would test positive within 3 months. STDs can be transmitted, even if there are no symptoms. you can not tell that someone has an STD just by looking at them.

3. QUESTION: how long can i be asymptomatic for chlamydia? (male)?so i had chlamydia/gonorrhea about 6 months ago, was treated and it completely went away.

   about a month ago i had unprotected sex with another girl, and again the same symptoms showed up. i’ve already treated it and it’s already gone, but i was wondering-

   is there any possibility that it wasn’t completely treated the first time and just stayed in incubation for 5 months, or did i definitely get it again a month ago?

   the first time i had it, it took just a couple weeks to show up

   I just don’t want to blame the girl if it wasn’t her fault, but either way i’m going to tell her to get checked out

   • ANSWER: Anything is possible. you may have had residual organisms.

     What possesses anyone to have unprotected sex?When you do, you are exposed to every partner your partner has ever had!

     What ever happened to chastity, deferred enjoyment, etc. ???

I'm really asking this seriously. my friend is really freaking out because he has found all these website about vampires. he almost bit his girlfriend and he was going to do it hard enough to get blood. Now he is worried about it. I was just wondering if there were any medical conditions that could cause such an odd symptom. Please help. I don't need any "he is a vampire" answers. I just want possible medical conditions. Thanks

sounds like a low platlet count or some kind of anemia get a cbc

There is none. you can't possibly have a thirst for blood especially if you've not ever drank any. your friend is caught up in a lame fantasy, that's all. I doubt he will bite anyone and it's hard to bite anyone hard enough to draw blood and if you do there's a good chance their wound will get infected, or they will be infected themselves from drinking someone's body fluid. even the phrase 'thirst for blood' is just stupid. It sounds like someone thinks they're in a movie.

I have seen my doc and he agrees it isn't depression, but I am so exhausted. I hurt all over and just can't do the easiest stuff. even breathing takes to much energy

You'd better see a doc who cares. You cold have a variety of medical conditions. are you overweight? do you exercise and get adequate sleep? are you stressed out? You might have chronic fatigue syndrome. keep asking a doctor until you find out!

I had the same symtoms that you have and my doctor diagnosed me with FIBROMYALGA ! Ask your doctor about it and good luck!!

Study finds genes drive caffeine cravings

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 8 (UPI) — Genetics may explain why some people consume large amounts of caffeine in beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda and food such as chocolate, a U.S. study says.

Researchers say they’ve discovered two gene variations that influence the metabolism of caffeine in the body and are associated with how much caffeine people consume, WebMD reported Thursday.

Both genes are possessed by all people, but a study of more than 47,000 middle-aged Americans of European descent found people with the highest-consumption variant for either gene consumed about 40 milligrams more caffeine — about the equivalent of half a cup of coffee or one can of soda — per day than people with the lowest-consumption gene varieties.

“There are hundreds of genes known for specific medical conditions — for dietary consumption we know very little,” study co-author Dr. Neil Caporaso of the National Cancer Institute told the BBC.

“Now, for the first time, we know specific genes that influence the amount of caffeine that individuals consume,” he said.

This genetic knowledge could be used “to advance caffeine research and potentially identify subgroups, defined by genotype, of the population most susceptible to the effects of caffeine,” said study co-author Dr. Marilyn C. Cornelis of the Harvard School of Public Health.

“More research on the precise function of these variants is needed, however, and there are likely more ‘caffeine genes’ to be identified.”

Discoverer of hepatitis B virus dies at 85

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif., April 8 (UPI) — Dr. Baruch S. Blumberg, who identified the hepatitis B virus and helped develop a vaccine to fight it, saving millions of lives, has died, his family said.

Blumberg, who was 85, died of an apparent heart attack in Moffett Field, Calif., shortly after giving a keynote speech at a NASA conference at the Ames Research Center Tuesday, the New York Times reported.

Blumberg won a Nobel Prize for his virology and epidemiology work that began in the 1960s at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

His work led to the discovery of the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and the development in 1969, with research colleague Dr. Irving Millman, of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Blumberg shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 with D. Carleton Gajdusek for work on the origins and spread of infectious viral diseases.

In 1999 in what he called his second career, Blumberg became the founding director of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute and its effort to search for micro-organisms in space.

Blumberg, who lived in Philadelphia, is survived by his wife, Jean, two sons, two daughters and nine grandchildren.

Young people suffer gadget ‘withdrawal’

COLLEGE PARK, Md., April 8 (UPI) — Young people deprived of gadgets and technology report feeling withdrawal symptoms similar to those felt by addicts, a U.S. study says.

A University of Maryland survey of college students at campuses worldwide found four in five students admitted to significant mental and physical distress when forced to spend an entire day without modern technology such as mobile phones, laptops and television as well as social networking activities such as Facebook and Twitter.

The researchers said a “clear majority” of almost 1,000 university students interviewed in 10 countries including Britain, America and China were unable to voluntarily do without their gadgets for 24 hours, the Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

Research leader Susan Moeller said technology has changed students’ relationships.

“Technology provides the social network for young people today and they have spent their entire lives being ‘plugged in,’” she said.

Students reported doing without was like going “cold turkey,” she said.

“Students talked about how scary it was, how addicted they were,” Moeller said.

Study: Empathy may be hard-wired in apes

ATLANTA, April 8 (UPI) — a notable lack of aggression in a species of apes may be due to hard-wired brain structure that makes them mellower than other primates, a U.S. study says.

The discovery was made in bonobos, sometimes called pygmy chimpanzees, which are closely related to chimps but are strikingly less aggressive, the Washington Post reported Thursday.

“They are the only ape in our family that does not kill,” said Brian Hare, an assistant professor who studies chimpanzees and bonobos at Duke University but was not involved in the study.

In contrast, male chimpanzees have been witnessed killing infants sired by other males and will often also stalk and kill outsider chimps.

Bonobos react to stress in a much more laid-back manner, Hare said, by sharing, playing and engaging in lots of sex.

“It’s not like they never have antagonistic interactions,” Hare said. “But it’s a joke compared to what you see in chimpanzees.”

James Rilling of the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, part of Emory University in Atlanta, studied detailed brain images of chimps and bonobos.

Bonobo brains, in comparison to chimp brains, displayed bigger, more developed regions thought to be vital for feeling empathy, perceiving distress in others and feeling anxiety, Rilling said.

One of those regions, the right anterior insula, is involved in generating empathy. People who have suffered damage to this region notably lack the ability to perceive how others are feeling, Rilling said.

What is Sexually Transmitted Disease? From the name itself, STDs are infections that are transmitted by means of sexual contact. At present, there are so many types of STDs that the public should watch out for and these include HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis and genital warts. Symptoms of certain types of STDs cannot be easily noticed and infected individuals are unacquainted of having the disease. this is one of the reasons why STDs are rapidly spreading to people.

Sexually Transmitted diseases can lead to critical medical conditions or complications and are often lethal. the most common STD complications are malignancy, chronic pain, infertility, skin problem and even loss of sight. STDs should be treated as early as possible. On the other hand, as the old saying goes, prevention is still better than cure.

So how can people prevent the transmission of the disease:

1. Assessment and Tests

It is ideal that married couples and sexual partners should be routinely checked for STD. there are people who are suffering from the disease and the sad part is that they are not conscious that they have it. HPV viruses in particular, are impossible to distinguish for the reason that there are no symptoms occur in some individuals.

Condoms are generally used as contraceptives and defense from being infected with STD as well. In truth, the best way to protect yourself against STD is through abstinence. However, wearing condom is for sure a wise option if one cannot control his or her sexual urges.

Vaccines are established to fight a number of diseases. Normally, girls aging between 11 and 15 years old should be vaccinated before becoming sexually active. Initial vaccination before sexual contact is expedient to guarantee maximum protection. Individuals who have been vaccinated are safeguarded from viral infections and some types of HPV.

4. Monogamous Relationship

Having a monogamous relationship with your partner is surely the best way to prevent STDs. To be devoted to your partner really do pays off.

In a new relationship, before engaging into sexual intercourse, it is much better to ask if the partner has been tested for STD or has a past record of STD. make sure that he or she has received the correct treatment.

As formerly mentioned, not all STD infections are symptomatic. this means symptoms are not evident immediately after being infected and there might be risks of infecting others too. Don’t fret, a number of STDs can be managed.

Sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomomiasis or parasite can be easily treated by antibiotics and or penicillin. Antiviral medications can generally cure genital herpes. Mild cases can also be treated by salt baths, pain relievers and wearing loose underclothes. In spite of this, it is recommended to consult medical advice for correct diagnosis and management.

Besides, STDs like genital warts can be treated with daily regiments by applying topical creams. Many topical creams are easily available and can be bought without prescriptions. These creams are good and very effective. there are genital wart treatments that can be placed under the tongue. These medicines are more effective and faster to act compared to topical creams. They are quickly absorbed into the blood stream thus treating genital wart faster. Doctors also would recommend laser surgery for patients with serious genital wart infection.

Sexual Transmitted Diseases are very contagious. necessary precautions must be done prior to engaging into sexual intercourse. However, due to some ignorance and lack of knowledge about STDs, a lot of people are unconscious that they have been already infected. besides, they don’t have the least idea that they are extremely contagious. if you think that you are infected, better ask for medical attention right away as not to contaminate other people and to avoid critical complications as well.

Looking for the top genital warts treatment in the merchandise? Discover the most comprehensive website that provides the latest wartrol user reviews when you click on the links today!

Symptoms & Signs

The physical appearance of the foot may vary. One or both feet may be affected.

The foot turns inward and downward at birth, and is difficult to place in the correct position. The calf muscle and foot may be slightly smaller than normal.

Diagnosis & Tests

The disorder is identified during a physical examination. a foot x-ray may be done.

Review Date : 11/2/2009Reviewed By : Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, a.D.a.M., inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. a licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 a.D.a.M., inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Tags: Clubfoot, Clubfoot Diagnosis, Clubfoot Signs, Clubfoot Symptoms.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is the term for inflammation of the liver. It is a broad term that encompasses a number of inflammatory conditions caused by a variety of factors. these are either infectious or non-infectious. Leading among the infectious causes of hepatitis are viral infections (viral hepatitis). Other pathogens, like bacteria, parasites and rarely fungi, may also cause hepatitis. among the non-infectious causes of hepatitis, medication and alcohol misuse are common causes of hepatitis followed by other toxins and autoimmune factors. Hepatitis may also arise secondary to other medical conditions.

How does hepatitis occur?

In hepatitis, any of the various causes leads to inflammation with immune mediators and inflammatory cells congregating within the liver tissue. Death of the liver cells (hepatocytes) may be due to the cause itself, like with some viruses that cause cell death, or due to the action of the body’s immune cells. Some causes of hepatitis, however, can resolve spontaneously and recover to a degree where normal liver function is restored.

Depending on the cause, hepatitis can progress to a chronic state where inflammation persists for months and years leading to fibrosis (scarring) of the liver tissue. Hepatitis may eventually lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). the consequences of hepatitis in the chronic stages (longer than 6 months) are often not isolated to the liver and may involve almost every system of the body, particularly the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, but can extend to the central nervous system as well.

The liver is one of the most versatile organs in the body conducting several complex functions which are crucial to sustaining life. its versatility is matched by its resilience in dealing with any injury. Most cases of hepatitis are asymptomatic in the early stages and only detected upon routine testing.

Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis

The first signs and symptoms of hepatitis may mainly involve the gastrointestinal system like nausea, intermittent vomiting, mild diarrhea and loss of appetite. Malaise, joint pain (arthralgia) and skin symptoms like pruritis (itchy skin) and urticaria may arise even though there is no discoloration of the skin. At this point, a diagnosis of hepatitis may be missed unless there is appropriate diagnostic testing or etiology that raises the suspicion of hepatitis.

As the disease process progresses, typical symptoms associated with liver dysfunction, like jaundice (yellow skin), will become evident. this is often accompanied by other symptoms like pale stools and dark urine. Right sided abdominal pain and/or tenderness and hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) may also be present. Fever is more frequently seen in the early stage of infectious hepatitis although alterations of the body temperature may occur in the later stages of non-infectious hepatitis.

Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis may be virtually asymptomatic apart from a few generalized (non-specific) symptoms like malaise, poor appetite, weight loss and fatigue. It is more often due to hepatitis B and C and can persist for years or even decades. the most prominent symptoms arise with the onset of cirrhosis.

Symptoms such as jaundice that are common in acute hepatitis are rarely seen in chronic cases except when there is advanced liver disease. Instead chronic hepatitis may present with change in vascularity presenting with redness (erythema) and the development of spider veins, ascites (abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation), splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), bleeding disorders, swelling of the legs (peripheral edema), persistent low-grade fever, confusion and even coma.

Further Reading :

could they cure the cancer in that very early stage
so you can live your life?

haribol2003,
Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in many people each year and a majority of them die of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. one of the reasons is that there is no easy way to spot the illness early and it usually does not cause symptoms until it has spread. The cancer is detected early in only about 7 percent of cases. if pancreatic cancer is discovered at an early stage, treatment usually consists of surgery and chemotherapy, which can extend survival and relieve symptoms but "seldom produces a cure," according to the society. About 24 percent of patients survive one year after diagnosis and 5 percent survive years, the society said.

ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. – MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.

The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. a licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

I add a link with details of this subject

cancer.gov/cancertopics/
pdq/treatment/pancreatic/patient

Hope this helps
matador 89

Sometimes, however, cancers form in places where there may be no symptoms until the cancer has grown quite large. Pancreas cancers, for example, do not usually grow large enough to be felt from the outside of the body. Some pancreatic cancers do not produce symptoms until they begin to grow around nearby nerves, causing a backache.

Typhonium plus – natural supplement may help

Pancreatic cancer in an early stage is curable. But unfortunately it is asymptomatic for a long time. thus most pancreatic cancers are discovered in an advanced stage where the prognosis is poor.

I recently got back some blood work that said that my testosterone was high and my insulin was low. I have also gained quite a bit of weight (about thirty lbs in about a six months) and I get tired a lot, which is odd considering I have insomnia.

Does anybody know of any medical conditions that go with these symptoms?

Ok, you've got something here that definitely requires a professional medical interpretation. see your doctor pronto. do not delay.