Aside loss to life and property, flooding also spawns an increased risk of infection due to exposure to contaminated and polluted waters. the prolonged flooding, now in its third month, has sparked an outbreak of infectious diseases in various parts of Thailand both from direct and indirect transmission. These diseases can be broadly divided into two major categories: viz, water-borne such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis a, and vector-borne such as malaria, dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever.

VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES

Floods may indirectly lead to an increase in vector-borne diseases through the rapid increase in vector numbers due to expansion of their breeding sites. Stagnant water collecting in pools after heavy rainfall or overflow of rivers are breeding sites for mosquitoes, and therefore can put people and emergency workers in flood areas at higher risk of contacting dengue and malarial infection.

MALARIA

The number of mosquitoes may decrease at the beginning of flooding as the water flushes out mosquito larvae, but their population quickly expands after a lag time which is usually around 6-8 weeks, before the onset of a malaria epidemic.

Risk factors for an epidemic include:

- Changes in human behaviour such as avoiding using mosquito nets or insect repellent, lack of information about infectious diseases associated with flooding and high population densities in emergency centres are all examples of risk factors with potential to cause an epidemic.

- a change in environment resulting from, say, construction of roads and buildings, water reservoirs or as a result of deforestation have corresponding effect on the breeding sites and habits of these vector-borne insects.

DENGUE HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with dengue viruses. Patients infected with the virus will show symptoms approximately one week after the infective bite. Symptoms can range from a mild fever (dengue), to a severe incapacitating high fever with blood vessels becoming temporarily “leaky” (dengue hemorrhagic fever: DHF) or a deadly form of the disease that causes the patient to go into shock and die (dengue shock syndrome: DSS), seen in 80%, 15%, and 5% of the cases.

Major symptoms range from high fever that can last 2-7 days, skin bleeding, enlarged liver, abdominal pain, and failure of blood circulation leading to a state of shock. the most dangerous stage is the failure of hemodynamic which occurs simultaneously with rapid decline of fever. If the patient does not receive proper medical attention in a timely manner, the conditions will continue to deteriorate, and death is possible within 12-24 hours after entering the state of shock.

While there are no specific antiviral medicines for dengue, early diagnosis and proper clinical management by experienced physicians can significantly lower the mortality rate.

1. Physician may prescribe antipyretic agents to lower high fever to prevent seizure in some patients. Use of acetylsalicylic acid (eg aspirin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg Ibuprofen) are not recommended as they cause stomach bleeding.

2. Maintain adequate hydration in patients with high fever.

3. Monitor patients closely to detect and prevent shock.

4. Periodically check the change in platelet count and hematocrit.

For patients who experience shock or bleeding, doctor will need to provide specialised treatments using plasma fluid or colloid substance to save the patient’s life and prevent other complications that may occur.

“Lowering mosquito numbers and minimising exposure to bites are important. Mosquito breeding sites must be removed, destroyed, frequently emptied and cleaned or treated with insecticides. during epidemics spray insecticide regularly to kill adult mosquitoes.

- Early diagnosis and treatment: Monitoring laboratory confirmed cases every week allows us to detect malaria outbreak at the early stage.

- Monitoring the population of patients with fever and providing them with proper medical care in a timely manner can significantly reduce the rate of death from dengue hemorrhagic fever and malaria.

- Providing health education, promoting good hygiene and eating habits, and offering critical advice about dengue hemorrhagic fever and its symptoms can pave the way for early detection and treatment.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

It is caused by the bacteria Leptospires that affects both humans and animals. Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals especially rodents or with a urine-contaminated environment.

Distribution

Leptospirosis is an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors or with animals and must stay in water for prolonged periods, such as farmers and sewer workers. it is also a recreational hazard to those who swim or wade through waters contaminated with the bacteria, which can gain entry through cuts and abrasions on the skin and through the mucous membrane in the eyes, nose and mouth.

Symptoms

Three to 10 days after infection patients experience acute fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, haemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rash.

These symptoms normally occur after wading through muddy water for prolonged periods (average 10 days). Patients need to seek medical care immediately. Do not try to treat yourself with any medicine.

Prevention

Avoid walking through dirty or muddy water especially when having sustained cuts or wounds in hands, arms, legs and feet without wearing protective gear, such as gloves and boots. Bathe immediately after wading through floods. Keep your accommodation and surrounding areas clean to control the spread of infection source (eg rodent and garbage control); eat properly and only cooked food; and store food in clean containers with protective covers.

Bangkok Health Research Center, Bangkok Hospital Group, call 1719.

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Avoid contracting dengue this mosquito season by reducing the amount of water-hold areas around the house. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

MOSQUITO season is here, but we may be protected from dengue fever, thanks to a scientific breakthrough.

When Australian scientists announced in August that they had introduced a bacterium called Wolbachia into mosquitoes that made them resistant to the dengue virus, newspapers were splashed with headlines such as: “Aussies defeat dengue danger”.But with this year’s wet season about to start in northern Queensland, the scientific breakthrough will finally be put to the test. Since the beginning of the year, researchers have been releasing mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia bacterium into the wild to monitor its spread through two mosquito populations in Cairns. by protecting mosquitoes from dengue, the Monash University program hopes to stop transmission into humans. five weeks after the final release, results showed 100 per cent of the mosquitoes at Yorkeys Knob carried Wolbachia, with Gordonvale at 90 per cent. But shortly after, the transmission rate dropped by about 10 per cent.“The drop was relatively small so we are still pretty chuffed by the results,” says Professor Scott Ritchie, Eliminate Dengue program researcher. “But we need more sampling to see how well the bacterium holds in mosquito populations.”Professor Ritchie says reasons for the drop could be lack of rain over the dry season or just a simple sampling issue.“Dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed in puddles around the home, in pot plant bases, vases, roof guttering and fallen fronds, and it’s been a dry season,” he says. “we have enough Wolbachia in there that when the wet season begins and it starts raining, transmission rates should rise to 100 per cent again.”Scientists will continue to monitor Cairns mosquito traps and the program is set to be repeated in other parts of Australia as well as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia or Brazil within the next 12 months.

>> A global issue Dengue is a virus transmitted to humans through the bites of female Aedes mosquitoes. Ironically, the most common way mosquitoes contract it is through feeding on humans who are infected with the virus.Dengue affects between 50 and 100 million people in tropical and sub-tropical regions each year. it occurs naturally in more than 110 countries across South-East Asia, the Western Pacific regions, Africa, the Americas and the Eastern Mediterranean. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates two-fifths of the world’s population, 2.5 billion people, are at risk of contracting dengue.There is no continuous transmission of dengue in Australia. Outbreaks are initiated by travellers and residents arriving into Australia with the dengue virus, who are then being bitten by local mosquitoes. an average of 100 new cases are reported each year, almost all in North Queensland. Queensland Health declared the worst dengue outbreak in over 50 years during the 2008-9 wet season, with more than 1000 cases reported.

>> The symptoms The dengue virus circulates in the human bloodstream for two to seven days. Dr Ronald McCoy, spokesman for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, says between 50 and 90 per cent of people with dengue will experience little more than influenza-like symptoms. “The rest get classic dengue symptoms,” he says. “these include sudden high fever lasting two to seven days, intense headaches behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain [in the ankles, knees and elbows], nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flushed face and neck, limb rashes and extreme fatigue.” If treated, dengue fever is rarely fatal.

>> DHF alert Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication of dengue infection that causes the same dengue fever symptoms but is followed by a further, rapid deterioration as the fever subsides. Dr McCoy says, “A small proportion of people who get dengue go on to develop DHF, but there is no way of telling who it will be.”DHF symptoms include liver enlargement, gut bleeding and, in severe cases, circulatory failure. The circulatory system begins to fail as the fever drops, the patient goes into a critical state of shock and dies within 12 to 24 hours if left without medical treatment. It’s estimated 500,000 people with DHF require hospitalisation each year, the majority of whom are children. About 2.5 per cent of those affected die. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for dengue fever. Dr McCoy says paracetamol is recommended to manage the aches and pains.“If someone has dengue fever, we keep an eye on blood counts and fluid levels from day three of the illness until a few days after the fever subsides,” he says. “A very small percentage develop DHF and this monitoring tells us if they have it or not.” Dr McCoy says symptoms don’t usually extend past the fever, but there is a risk of post-viral infection which can cause longer-term tiredness and low moods.

>> Reduce your dengue riskThe Queensland Government suggests these ways to avoid contracting dengue:+ Eliminate mosquito breeding sites: Dengue transmitters breed in containers that hold water around the home. Examples include pot plant bases, vases, guttering, birdbaths and even fallen palm fronds.

+ put the bite on mozzies: use mosquito- control products such as traps, coils, screens, sprays and dispensers. Cockroach-repellent sprays, used in dark places such as behind cupboards or under beds, are also an effective deterrent.

+ For more on mosquito-borne infections, visit bodyandsoul.com.au

By Julie Damron may 14, 2011 12:01 AM

Statistically, in both human and animal medicine, preventive care has a higher ratio of positive outcomes than reactive. in addition, early detection and treatment of disease or illness provide a much higher comfort level for people and their pets. it is also a less costly way to care for yourself and your companions. think about it: If you identify a problem early on, it is less advanced, and there are fewer complications. the sooner treatment is initiated, the greater the likelihood of a good recovery, and the less likely there will be secondary illnesses.

There are several disease processes that I see in practice on a daily basis in which the clients who participate in preventive efforts for their companions not only greatly improve the quality of life for their dogs and cats but also greatly minimize their veterinary expenses.

Heartworm prevention is often neglected. Heartworm is a life-threatening disease that is passed to both dogs and cats from mosquitoes. it is an issue in our area, and indoor pets also are at risk. There is no treatment for cats. for dogs, the treatment involves the use of arsenic, and is risky and costly. Patients need to be strictly cage-confined for several weeks following medications. for a large breed dog, treatment is almost $2,000. A year of preventive care with Heartgard for a small dog is about $55. That is less than $5 per month. for a large dog, it is less than $7 a month. Trifexis is another preventive option – it is oral and also includes flea protection. these same products also protect against some internal parasites.

Routine exams at least once a year for every pet are really important. in addition to identifying disease in the early stages, this also helps to make sure your companion is receiving appropriate care for his or her particular life stage. As your companion becomes a senior, twice-yearly evaluations as well as laboratory panels are recommended. Remember that animals age much faster than we do, and changes in organ systems can happen rapidly. Animals, especially cats, are very good at hiding illness. often you will not see symptoms of a problem until it is advanced. it is all about identifying issues in the early stages, because early detection of illness leads to better outcomes.

Dental care is a huge problem in veterinary medicine, with 80 percent of patients having some level of dental disease. it often goes undetected, and many clients are fearful of having their pets sedated for dental cleanings. Dental disease is not just confined to the mouth. As oral infections progress, bacteria from the mouth goes into the bloodstream and affects organs such as the kidney, liver and heart. There are some easy steps you can take today to help prevent your dog or cat from developing significant dental disease. first, feed a high-quality diet and eliminate or limit people food. A good diet will leave less residue on the teeth. Provide some level of routine oral care; there are many options available including brushing; treats and chews; oral drops and rinses; oral paste; and products to add to water. Schedule dental cleanings at the earliest point that this procedure is recommended. When a cleaning is done early on in the disease process, the anesthetic time is shorter, extractions are less likely, and it slows down the progression of oral pathology so your cherished companion experiences less pain overall.

Do not feed your pets people food. This is a common practice that frequently results in vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and generalized digestive upset. Blood work and X-rays are commonly taken. Antibiotics and a bland diet are common treatments. Many patients have to be hospitalized for pancreatitis and other problems. This is a lot to spend and have your companion go through because he or she shared your holiday ham.

Not only is important to try to prevent disease, but also to act quickly when a problem arises. This helps minimize the chance of secondary illnesses and provides comfort for your dog and/or cat as soon as possible. again, when problems are treated in the early stages, there is a much greater chance for a positive outcome. By acting on problems in the early stages, you often minimize costs because often a shorter cycle of treatment is needed. Please remember that options such as Care Credit exist to help you pay for medical care over time for several months without interest. Please visit their website for more information: CareCredit.com.

Acting now really pays off in the long run. Your pets are depending on you for their care. With small changes, you can give them the best chance for a long, high-quality life.

Julie Damron is a veterinarian at Sierra Veterinary Clinic in Stockton. Contact her at .

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Elephantitis

Elephantitis is caused by microscopic parasitic worms such as Brugai timori, Brugai malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti that live in the lymphatic systems of humans. the vectors are mosquitoes of different genus like Culex, Anopheles, Ansonia, Aedes and Coquillettidia depending on the geographical location. When these infected mosquitoes bite the humans in a blood meal, the larvae at the third stage of their life cycle is introduced through the skin of the host. Once inside, these larvae would develop into adults and would normally stay in the lymphatic system of the host. the adults would produce sheathed microfilaria that have night-time rhythm. These microfilaria are then ingested by the vectors when they bite the host for a blood meal. These larvae then would grow until they are passed again to the human host during their third larval stage.

When the parasitic worms migrate into the lymphatics, they would cause inflammation of the vessels causing swelling of the affected area (commonly the legs and scrotum). this is termed as elephantiasis disease and would occur more frequently in tropical regions, particularly in most parts in Africa.

Lymphatic Filariasis

Elephantiasis is also commonly called as lymphatic filariasis. the infection is generally acquired during childhood however the painful and extremely disfiguring manifestations would appear later. Acute bouts of the disease would result to temporary disability but lymphatic filariasis would cause permanent ones.

At present, over 1.3 billion people are at risk in 81 different countries and around 61% infected individuals are in the Southeast Asia, 30% are in the African regions and the rest are in the other tropical regions. More than a hundred twenty million individuals are presently infected and roughly forty million of them are incapacitated and disfigured. Lymphatic filariasis or elephantiasis disease cause genital problems in more than 25 million men and lymphedema in more than 15 million individuals. this disease is often linked with poverty thus eliminating this contributing factor would help in controlling or eradicating the disease.

Lymphedema is a chronic debilitating condition due to the obstruction of the lymph vessels causing excess fluid to collect in tissues resulting to edema. the lymphatics are the one responsible for draining the excess water and protein that constantly break out in slight amounts from the blood.

However a blocked lymphatic system would still continue to receive excess protein causing a build-up in the tissues. the accretion of protein in the tissues would attract the excess fluid thus the tissues will become distended. Distention would cause poor circulation, especially of oxygen, which would interfere with the normal operation causing gradual healing of the tissues. the chronic inflammation would also result in more formation and dilation of capillaries thus the affected area would feel warm.

Lymphedema is manifested by symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness and tightness in affected limb, bursting or shooting pains, tingling sensation of affected limb, tenderness and warmth of affected area.

The symptoms of elephantiasis are so general that diagnosing the disease in its early stages is quite difficult and moreover, the symptoms are not visible. As the disease advances, the symptoms would become more prominent.

Inflammation

The elephantiasis disease is characterized by considerable enlargement of the affected limb or area due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. the worst condition a person with this disease can manifest is the enlargement of the testicles or the “elephantitis of the balls”.

Enlarged Lymph nodes

The swollen lymph nodes are due to the obstruction of the lymph vessels by the parasitic worms. Some of the inflammation is also caused by the body’s immune response to the presence of the parasites.

Sweating

The back pressure that is placed on the lymphatic vessels would cause dilation of superficial vessels that would cause swelling and sweating. too much sweating causes discomfort.

Pain

Pain is felt due to the inflammation process that occurs in the disease process. the lymphedema that occurs will cause also the distention of the tissues and lymph vessels contributing to the pain.

Headache

The body’s reaction to the presence of the parasites and the dilation of superficial vessels would contribute to the head ache suffered by individuals with this disease.

Fever

Acute local inflammation and the immune response of the body to the presence of the parasitic worm cause fever. the underlying bacterial infection of the skin due to lymphatic damage is also a contributing factor to the disease.

Chills

The fever and inflammation would cause the patient to shake and have chills.

Vomiting

The allergic reaction and the increasing amounts of toxins in the body may cause the patient to vomit.

Skin Ulcers, rashes and abscesses

The ulcers are due to the chronic inflammation of the skin due to edema. the skin becomes sensitive thus can easily be damaged. the overburdened immune system cannot cope with the stress thus bacterial infection can easily infiltrate.

Joint Pain

This is caused by the edema of the surrounding limbs.

Other symptoms suffered by people with this disease include: thickened skin, hydrocele, hyperpigmentation of the skin, body malaise and in severe cases swollen spleen and liver with white discharges in the urinary tract.

Picture 1 : Picture of  Elephantitis of legs

Image source : freeyellow

Picture 2 : Picture of Elephantiasis

Image source : freeyellow

Picture 3 :  Elephantitis

Image source : photobucket

This is the inflammation of the testicles, the extremely feared warning sign of elephantiasis. the social stigma the patient suffers is so great since the affected person cannot cover his scrotum because of the enlargement of the testicles –sometimes as large as a basketball or watermelon.

According to studies, around fifty percent of the males with elephantiasis also suffer from testicular elephantiasis. the elephantiasis of the balls may include the outer penile skin, scrotum, testes or sometimes all three structures.

Picture – Elephantitis (Elephantiasis) BallsImage source Source – headbonesgallery

The main cause of elephantitis is the parasitic nematodes Brugai timori, Brugai malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti. of the three parasites, infection caused by Wuchereria bancrofti is the most widespread and severe. this disease condition is also caused by recurring streptococcal infection, surgical excision of the lymph nodes or it can be hereditary.

There are latest studies that show the red soil in Africa may cause elephantiasis. When individuals walk barefoot, minute chemical particles may penetrate the skin and lodge in the tissues of the lymphatic system. they could cause irritation of the tissues which becomes vulnerable to infection especially caused by streptococcus.

The definitive diagnosis for elephantiasis is the actual identification of the nematodes within the body fluids and tissues from infected individuals. this is quite difficult to do since the lymph nodes where the nematodes usually reside are not easily accessed.

At times, blood samples are taken and examined for the presence of microfilariae. Since these microorganisms only come out at night, the blood must be drawn at night to increase the chance of getting a blood sample that contains the parasites. during the day, these microfilariae would move to blood vessels that are located deeper in the circulation most especially those inside the lungs. if there is a need to perform a blood exam during daytime, there may a need to take drugs that would trigger the parasites to come out. After an hour, blood samples may be collected for examination.

In some cases where the blood samples come out negative but other symptoms are present, there is a need to examine the hydrocele fluid or urine.

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC or Hetrazan in the US) is the medicine of choice to treat lymphatic filariasis. the tablet (2mg/kg/day) is taken thrice a day for 3 weeks. the drug would kill the microfilariae swiftly while adult worms are killed slowly. Care must be taken to kill all the adult worms for the surviving female and male worms would pair and continue to reproduce thus the need for the prolonged intake of the drug. aside from this, DEC has shown its capacity to shrink the distended lymph nodes and reduce elephantiasis (if taken for a longer period).

There are also some Indian herbs that would help treat elephantiasis and some of these herbs have been used for centuries. Included in the list are Indian gooseberry (anti-helminthic properties), winter cherry, country mallow, Indian pennywort and cowhage plant.

Other ways of dealing with the disease is using pressure bandages to swathe the inflamed limb or elastic stockings to help lessen the pressure. Make sure to exercise and elevate the bandaged limb in order to facilitate drainage of fluids. for more severe cases, surgery is usually performed to remove the excess fibrous and fatty tissues, drain off the fluid and take out the dead nematodes.

To prevent the spread of disease, DEC should be taken as a preventive medication and the reduction of the vector numbers (mosquitoes) in a specific area. the use of insecticides and repellents, use of mosquito nets while sleeping and sporting of protective garments may also help prevent the spread of the disease condition. Cleaning the surrounding areas especially possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes would also be beneficial.

For non-filarial elephantiasis, the best way to prevent this is to wear shoes all the time in identified places where this kind of condition has been known to exist. Proper hand washing can also help decrease the possibility of contamination.

References:

who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs102/en/

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by dr.rajesh moganti on 17. Apr, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions

A U.S. vector biologist appears to have accidentally written virological history simply by having sex with his wife after returning from a field trip to Senegal. A study just released in Emerging Infectious Diseases suggests that the researcher, Brian Foy of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, passed to his wife the Zika virus, an obscure pathogen that causes joint pains and extreme fatigue. If so, it would be the first documented case of sexual transmission of an insect-borne disease.

Foy is the first author of the paper, which describes three anonymous patients. But in an interview with Science, he confirmed that he is the anonymous “patient 1″; his Ph.D. student Kevin Kobylinski, who accompanied him on the trip to Senegal and also got sick, is “patient 2.” Foy’s wife, Joy Chilson Foy, a nurse at the Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, is “patient 3″; she is also a co-author of the paper.

Exactly what happened when Foy and Kobylinski returned from Senegal on 24 August 2008 has remained a mystery for years. as part of their research on malaria, the scientists had been collecting mosquitoes in a southeastern village called Bandafassi, where they were often bitten. about 5 days after their return, both researchers got sick. Both had a rash on their torso, extreme fatigue, headaches, and swollen and painful wrists, knees, and ankles. Foy also had symptoms of prostatitis, including painful urination, and he and his wife noticed what looked like blood in his semen, according to the paper.

On 3 September, Foy’s wife’s fell ill as well, with malaise, chills, extreme headache, hypersensitivity to light, and muscle pains. the couple’s four children remained healthy. the symptoms started receding within about a week in all three patients, although the joint pains lingered.

The scientists suspected they were infected through one of their many mosquito bites but were stumped as to the pathogen. So were several laboratories, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whose lab for insect-borne diseases is in Fort Collins. Antibody tests on serum samples from the two scientists tested positive for dengue, a viral disease that might have explained the symptoms, but samples from Chilson Foy came back negative. “Eventually, the CDC said, ‘We think you had dengue, but we don’t know what your wife had,’ ” says Foy, who decided to keep samples from all three in the freezer.

The mystery might never have been solved if Kobylinski hadn’t gone out for a few beers with Andrew Haddow, a medical entomologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, during another trip to Senegal more than a year later. Haddow, who studies how pathogens survive in the jungle and emerge when humans encroach, had a great personal interest in Zika: His grandfather, Alexander Haddow, was one of three scientists who had isolated the virus from a rhesus monkey in the Zika Forest near Entebbe, Uganda, in 1947 and described it in a paper in 1952. “I read all of my grandfather’s papers, so that stuff really interests me,” Haddow says.

Zika, he speculated, might account for the trio’s symptoms—even though “it was just a hunch.” after Kobylinski returned home in December 2009 and told Foy about the encounter, they decided to send the samples to Haddow, who asked his UTMB colleague Robert Tesh, a veteran virologist, to run a battery of tests, including one for the Zika virus. Sure enough, all three samples had antibodies to the virus. “Then it all fell into place,” Foy says. the dengue antibodies were a red herring, he says: both researchers had been vaccinated for the yellow fever virus, which is closely related to dengue; antibodies against these viruses often cross-react.

There is no direct evidence that Foy’s wife was infected through sexual contact, but the circumstantial evidence is strong. It’s very unlikely that she was infected by a bite by a mosquito that first bit her husband; the three tropical Aedes mosquito species known to transmit Zika don’t live in northern Colorado, and moreover, the virus has to complete a 2-week life cycle within the insect before it can infect the next human; Foy’s wife fell ill just 9 days after his return. and yes, as the paper puts it, “patients 1 and 3 reported having vaginal sexual intercourse in the days after patient 1 returned home but before the onset of his clinical illness.” (“My wife wasn’t happy with what happened afterwards,” Foy adds.)

Not much is known about the Zika virus, which is found in many parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. Researchers from the Pasteur Institute in Dakar reported in 1993 that it occurs in southeastern Senegal, where Foy and Kobylinski work, but it’s unknown how often it causes disease. most cases are never reported or are mistaken for dengue, a much more widespread disease, Haddow says. in fact, only 14 Zika cases had ever been described in the medical literature until an explosive outbreak occurred in 2007 on Yap, an island in the Federated States of Micronesia, where it had never been seen before. an extensive investigation of that epidemic by CDC concluded that 73% of the population was infected, an impressive number that suddenly made Zika an emerging pathogen to watch.

Foy and his co-authors believe sexual transmission of a mosquito-borne virus has never been reported before, although there were hints from the literature that it might be possible. Boars experimentally infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus, for instance, shed the virus in their semen, and female pigs artificially inseminated with it become infected.

Scientists already knew that many insect-borne pathogens can be transmitted orally as well, says medical entomologist Paul Reiter of the Pasteur Institute in Paris. So even if it hasn’t been documented before, it’s not a big surprise that infected semen deposited inside the vagina could cause an infection, he says.

What’s still unclear is how important sexual transmission is in Zika’s epidemiology. Haddow believes it plays a very minor role at best and that the vast majority of cases occur through mosquito bites. Yet a few data points from the Yap outbreak hint that sexual transmission may have played a role, Foy says. the population aged between 30 and 59 was hardest hit, and among women, the so-called attack rate—the percentage of people who get sick—was almost 50% higher than among men. (With most sexually transmitted infections, vaginal intercourse poses a higher risk of infection for women.) But there could be other explanations for that as well; Foy says he’s interested in studying the issue.

Haddow is doing more research on Zika as well. Although he never really knew his grandfather, he says that stories about his career inspired him to become a virus hunter, and helping solve the Fort Collins riddle, he adds, was “a very good feeling. … I think my grandfather would have been happy too.”

I had protected sex almost two weeks ago with someone I do not know too well. Recently I have gotten some small pink bumps on my arms and couple in other places but none on my face or genitals. They itch a little and sting if I put pressure on them.

Is this an early symptom of an STD and if so, what type? There's a chance that this may be from allergies, but I am more inclined to think STDs.

Just go to the doctor and get tested to be sure.

Two weeks ago you say?

Assuming that you haven't been in the night air and been bitten by a couple of mosquitoes, I can only suggest that you might be suffering from the early stages of that dreaded
condition known as Copulatius Absentius.

It only gets worse, the pink bumps turn into red welts, and EVERY boy knows what it is you are suffering from.

Quick cure, go find a willing participant and indulge in as much sex as you can get. the more often, the better. Warning, don't just limit yourself to one partner. Multiple partners are highly recommended, it also increases your popularity at the same time. the pink bumps will be a thing of the past.
Guaranteed!

If you had *protected sex then it may be an allergic reaction to deodorant or clothing. If you start to drip drip down there or it starts to smell a little funky you might need to go see your local clinic. If it starts to itch try not to scratch. ask your MD to check it out.

Could be scabies! check with your local health dept or your physician. Do it for your own health.

Wow, go get checked.

well normally you would have something down there. but you say you don't so that is good. but it sorta sounds like scabies. that is a curable disease. basically it is lil bugs that crawl on your skin. it itches and will be red and bumpy. make a Dr. appointment go get checked. it could be nothing or maybe an allergy to a soap or something. good luck and go make that appointment!!!!

If you are concern, consult your doctor immediately.

The presence of fever, rash, and headache is particularly characteristic of dengue. Other signs of dengue fever include bleeding gums, severe pain behind the eyes, and red palms and soles.

Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with symptoms such as headache, fever, exhaustion, severe muscle and joint pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy), and rash. The presence of fever, rash, and headache is particularly characteristic of dengue. Other signs of dengue fever include bleeding gums, severe pain behind the eyes, and red palms and soles. Dengue strikes people with low levels of immunity. because it is caused by one of four serotypes of virus, it is possible to get dengue fever multiple times. however, an attack of dengue produces immunity for a lifetime to that particular serotype to which the patient was exposed.

Dengue goes by other names, including breakbone or dandy fever. Victims of dengue often have contortions due to the intense joint and muscle pain, hence the name breakbone fever. Slaves in the West Indies who contracted dengue, were said to have dandy fever because of their postures and gait.Dengue haemorrhagic fever is a more severe form of the viral illness. Manifestations i nclude headache, fever, rash, and evidence of haemorrhage in the body. Petechiae (small red or purple blisters under the skin), bleeding in the nose or gums, black stools, or easy bruising are all possible signs of haemorrhage. this form of dengue fever can be life-threatening and can progress to the most severe form of the illness, dengue shock syndrome.

What areas are at high risk for contracting dengue fever?Dengue is prevalent throughout the tropics and subtropics. Outbreaks have occurred recently in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Cuba, and Central America. Cases have also been imported via tourists returning from areas with widespread dengue, including Tahiti, Singapore, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, the West Indies, India, and the Middle East (similar in distribution to the areas of the world that harbour malaria and yellow fever). Dengue fever is common, and statistics show it may be increasing in Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia have all reported an increase in cases. nearly 40 per cent of the world’s population lives in an area endemic with dengue.How is dengue fever contracted?The virus is contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person. The mosquito flourishes during rainy seasons, but can breed in water-filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year-round. one mosquito bite can inflict the disease. The virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. there must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway.What are dengue fever symptoms and signs?After being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the incubation period ranges from three to 15 days before the signs and symptoms of dengue appear. Dengue starts with chills, headache, pain upon moving the eyes, and low backache. Painful aching in the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of illness. The temperature rises quickly as high as 104 F (40 C), with relative low heart rate (bradycardia) and low blood pressure (hypotension). The eyes become reddened.

A flushing or pale pink rash comes over the face and then disappears. The glands (lymph nodes) in the neck and groin are often swollen. Fever and other signs of dengue last for two to four days, followed by a rapid drop in body temperature (defervescence) with profuse sweating. this precedes a period with normal temperature and a sense of well-being that lasts about a day. a second rapid rise in temperature follows. a characteristic rash appears along with the fever, and spreads from the extremities to cover the entire body except the face. The palms and soles may be bright red and swollen.What is the treatment for dengue fever?Because dengue fever is caused by a virus, there is no specific medicine or antibiotic to treat it. For typical dengue, the treatment is purely concerned with relief of the symptoms (symptomatic). Rest and fluid intake for adequate hydration is important. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision because of the possibility of worsening haemorrhagic complications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and codeine may be given for severe headache and for the joint and muscle pain (myalgia). there is currently no vaccine available for dengue fever.If you suspect that you may have contracted the disease, seek medical help immediately. (MedicineNet.com)

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. in the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells. Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and they must have been infected through a previous blood meal taken on an infected person. When a mosquito bites an infected person, a small amount of blood is taken in which contains microscopic malaria parasites. about 1 week later, when the mosquito takes its next blood meal, these parasites mix with the mosquito’s saliva and are injected into the person being bitten.

Because the malaria parasite is found in red blood cells of an infected person, malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or the shared use of needles or syringes contaminated with blood. Malaria may also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn infant before or during delivery (“congenital” malaria).

Malaria Symptoms

Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes) because of the loss of red blood cells. Symptoms usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. Infection with one type of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death. in many parts of the world, the parasites have developed resistance to a number of malaria medicines.

Treatment of Malaria

Medical treatment should be sought immediately.The effectiveness of antimalarial drugs differs with different species of the parasite and with different stages of the parasite’s life cycle. Your physician will determine the treatment plan most appropriate for your individual condition.

Drugs include chloroquine, mefloquine, primaquine, quinine, pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine (Fansidar), and doxycycline. Some plasmodium have developed resistance to certain medications, and therefore, alternative medications will be prescribed for you.

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Prevention of Malaria

No prophylactic regimen gives complete protection. Speak with your physician or local travel clinic to receive up to date information about the best malaria protection for you. Effectiveness of any given medication varies by the region of the world in which you plan to travel. Effectiveness also varies from year to year, so current information is essential.

Prevention is based on:

evaluating the risk of exposure to infection

preventing mosquito bites by using DEET mosquito repellant, bed nets, and clothing that covers most of the body

chemoprophylaxis (preventive medications)

Im aware mosquitoes will infect people living in sub-saharan africa. Does it mean pretty much a chance for people being infected everyday with flu-like symptoms? Or is there a point that the person adjusts and no longer gets badly effected by it

Note im a white person from the UK and never had malaria before. Im planning to visit Uganda

People that live in sub-Sahara Africa adjust/become immune. Tell your doctor that you are planning on visiting Uganda and want malaria pills for the trip. you have to start taking them about a week or 2 before departing home. also to be on the safe side, get your shots up to date. an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. you don't want your trip wrecked because you become sick there.