The number of human diseases we come across in a lifetime is quite alarming. The fact that humans can still stay healthy is simply a MIRACLE. Beside the current worldwide Swine Flu outbreak, Malaysia also experiencing the following outbreak of diseases :
1. Meningitis Outbreak
2. Hand Foot & Mouth Disease Outbreak,
3. Leptospirosis Outbreak
4. Acute Pericarditis Outbreak
5. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Fortunately, all the above outbreak of diseases are confined to specific areas only and is under control by the Health Ministry.
1. MENINGITIS OUTBREAK
46 Trainees were still in the isolation ward at the Malacca Hospital as at Thursday 14 May 2009 following an outbreak of Meningitis - an infectious disease at the Road Transport Department Academy near Malacca, Malaysia. 85 other Trainees have been quarantined at the Academy. On Monday 4 May 2009, a Road Transport Trainee complained of having a fever, cough, headache, and running nose died on the way to the hospital.
State Health Director Ghazali Othman confirmed that the Trainees are not infected by Swine Flu or Influenza A(H1N1) virus but are suspected to have contracted bacterial Meningitis.
2. HAND FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE OUTBREAK (HFMD)
An outbreak of HFMD has occured in a kindergarten in Selangor, Malaysia. It has been closed for a week as a precautionary measure after 4 children were detected on Monday 11 May 2009. The Health Ministry Medical Practice Division Director Dr Nooraini Baba confirmed the case. She said there were outbreaks of HFMD throughout the year and advised parents not to be overly worried - "What is important is that nurseries and kindergartens must have good sanitary care and proper disposal of waste.
It was reported on Thursday 14 May 2009 that several kindergartens in Kuala Lumpur were closed for several days following cases of the disease. HFMD does not usually need treatment, It usually goes away on its own in about 7 to 10 days.Its a common mild and short lasting condition most often affecting young children during the summer months. Its a viral infection due to Coxsackie Virus A16, although it can also be due to Enterovirus 71. It is VERY INFECTIOUS, so several members of the family or a school class may be affected.
After an incubation period of 3 to 5 days, the infection results in flat small blisters on the hands and feet, and oral ulcers.These are sometimes painful, so the child eats very little and frets. There may be a mild fever. Sometimes there is a rash on the buttocks. After a few days, the blisters and mouth ulcers settle leaving no scars.
3. LEPTOSPIROSIS - ANOTHER DISEASE OUTBREAK
An outbreak of Leptospirosis near Butterworth, Malaysia saw 26 detainees from an illegal immigrants detention camp admitted to 2 hospitals. Confirmed cases of Leptospirosis were detected after the death of a 21 year old detainee from Myanmar on Tuesday 12 May 2009 of the bacterial disease after admitted to the Bukit Mertajam Hospital.
State Health, Welfare & Caring Society Committee member Phee Boon Poh said the 26 detainees warded could have consumed contaminated water with the urine of an animal. He said the Myanmar, who was admitted on Thursday 7 May 2009, had symptoms of fever, constipation, decreased urine output, lethargy & pedal oedema. More cases of detainees were admitted when found with the symptoms at the camp, which houses 529 detainees including 69 women and 2 boys. Disinfection was carried out in all 4 blocks at the camp, including the bathrooms & toilets.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira Bacteria.The usual cause of this disease is by exposure to water - for example, during floods - contaminated with the urine of infected animals such as pigs, cattle, horses, dogs, rodents, wild animals and diseased animal carcasses. Water can also be polluted by micro-organism from faeces discharged by dead bodies.
Leptospirosis does not spread from human to human. Infection to humans is through urine contaminated water, food or soil - drinking, eating or skin contact. The bacteria takes 2 to 4 weeks to cause human illness once inside the body.
The symptoms of Leptospirosis are high fever, chills, muscle ache, severe headache, vomiting, red eyes, diarrhoea, rash, abdominal pain and jaundice. If remain untreated, can develop into liver failure, kidney failure, Meningitis (inflammation of spinal cord and brain), breathing problems and even death. However, Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics.
4. ACUTE PERICARDITIS - ANOTHER VIRAL INFECTED DISEASE
Acute Pericarditis is the inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, usually caused by a viral infection.
29 Police Trainees in a Police Training Centre near Seremban, Malaysia was placed under observation at the hospital after a colleague died from Acute Pericarditis on Thursday 14 May 2009. The Health Authorities were still investigating the source of the disease and how the victim was infected. Meanwhile, anti-biotics have been prescribed to 166 people who came into contact with the deceased. Preventive measures have been taken to prevent its spread.
5. CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV)
Researchers on Thursday 14 May 2009 said a common virus may be a major cause of High Blood Pressure - which affects an estimated 1 BILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE.
A herpes virus called Cytomegalovirus (CMV) affects 60% to 99% of adults globally - increases inflammation in blood vessels causing High Blood Pressure. CMV may also cause hardening of the arteries when combined with fatty diet - which is a major risk factor for kidney disease, strokes and heart attacks.
Most adults will have exposure to CMV by age 40 - although some may not have any symptoms. The virus can cause harm to transplant recipients and its a major cause of birth defects in babies when the mother were infected during pregnancy.
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