All Flashcards
What are pathogens?
Disease-causing microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi).
What are infectious diseases?
Illnesses caused by pathogens, ranging from mild to life-threatening.
What is bubonic plague?
A form of plague characterized by swollen lymph nodes (buboes), fever, and chills.
What is septicemic plague?
A form of plague that is a bloodstream infection, potentially leading to organ failure.
What is pneumonic plague?
A lung infection form of the plague with airborne transmission.
What is malaria?
A disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.
What is tuberculosis (TB)?
A disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, transmitted through airborne droplets.
What is West Nile Virus?
A virus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, primarily affecting birds but can infect humans.
What are Coronaviruses?
A large family of viruses causing respiratory infections.
What is Zika Virus?
A virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and sexual contact, linked to microcephaly in newborns.
What are water-borne diseases?
Diseases caused by pathogens in contaminated water.
What is antibiotic resistance?
The ability of bacteria to evolve resistance to antibiotics due to overuse/misuse.
Why is prevention key in managing infectious diseases?
It reduces the spread of pathogens and the occurrence of outbreaks, protecting public health.
What makes malaria a high-impact global health issue?
Its prevalence, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, and the complexities of its transmission and control.
Why is drug resistance a major challenge in treating diseases like malaria and TB?
It reduces the effectiveness of treatments, leading to increased illness, death, and spread of disease.
Explain the significance of sanitation and clean water access in preventing waterborne diseases.
Proper sanitation and clean water prevent the spread of pathogens in water, reducing the risk of infection.
Why are mosquito-borne diseases a significant environmental health concern?
Mosquitoes can transmit various pathogens, leading to widespread diseases like malaria, Zika, and West Nile virus.
What is the importance of public education in preventing infectious diseases?
It empowers individuals to take preventive measures, such as hygiene practices and vaccination, reducing disease transmission.
Explain the concept of 'One Health' in the context of infectious diseases.
Recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing collaborative efforts to address health threats.
What is the role of climate change in the spread of infectious diseases?
Climate change can alter the geographic range and seasonality of vectors, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases.
How does international travel contribute to the spread of infectious diseases?
Travelers can unknowingly carry pathogens across borders, leading to outbreaks in new locations.
What are the ethical considerations in implementing disease control measures?
Balancing individual rights with the need to protect public health, ensuring equitable access to resources and treatments.
What are the consequences of plague?
Swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, bloodstream infection, organ failure, lung infection, and airborne transmission.
What are the consequences of malaria?
Fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, anemia, and organ failure.
What are the consequences of tuberculosis?
Persistent cough, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and fever.
What are the consequences of West Nile Virus?
Fever, headache, nausea, muscle weakness, meningitis/encephalitis (rare).
What are the consequences of Zika Virus?
Mild fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, and microcephaly in newborns.
What are the consequences of water-borne diseases?
Diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid fever, dehydration, and vomiting.
What are the consequences of antibiotic resistance?
Harder-to-treat infections, increased illness/death.
What is the effect of poor sanitation on waterborne diseases?
Poor sanitation leads to contamination of water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.
How does deforestation impact the spread of vector-borne diseases?
Deforestation can alter habitats, bringing humans into closer contact with disease vectors and increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases.
What is the impact of climate change on mosquito populations?
Climate change can expand the geographic range and breeding season of mosquitoes, potentially increasing the spread of diseases like malaria and Zika virus.