Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. The word “yellow” is a reference to the yellowing of the skin (jaundice) as a result of the damage to the liver. Yellow fever does not often receive much public attention due to the effectiveness of immunisation, however, the incidence has increased in recent years for various reasons. It is more frequently seen in Africa and South America and about half of all the severe cases will result in death without treatment.
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Escherichia coli or E.coli is a group of bacteria that has a close relationship with humans. Several strains of E.coli naturally live in the bowels of humans and other animals and it is passed out in large amounts in the stool. Although harmless when its population is controlled in the bowel, E.coli has the potential for causing serious diseases. It may infect the bowels, urinary tract, lungs, brain lining (meninges) and just about any other site that it gains entry to. However, the vast majority of E.coli outbreaks involves inflammation of the small and large intestines leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea.
What is Viral Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the term for inflammation of the liver. It is caused either by an infection or due to some non-infectious conditions. There are different types of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, which may damage the liver and result in hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver which is caused by a virus. There are a number of types of viral hepatitis which are due to the difference in the structure and characteristics of these viruses.
Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines (small and large) as a result of an infection. It is often referred to as the gastric flu or stomach flu but it is not related to influenza. Sometimes loose stool and a bit of nausea may be noticed in influenza but the gastric flu is much more pronounced. Gastroenteritis is a common infection that accounts for millions of deaths globally but with proper management, it can pass in a few days without requiring treatment.
Influenza or the seasonal flu is a highly infectious acute viral infection caused by the influenza virus. It affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and occasionally the lungs. The symptoms may last from a few days to a week and a person generally improves without any active treatment. It can become extremely severe and may even be life-threatening, especially in people at risk such as the elderly, very young children, or those with certain medical conditions like HIV/AIDS.
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Lassa fever is one of the many viral haemorrhagic fevers like Rift Valley fever. It is endemic in west Africa but with air travel and the movement across borders, there is always a concern that there may be outbreaks in other parts of the world. The recent outbreak in Nigeria (2010) just before the Soccer World Cup tournament in South Africa has raised questions about it spread, but like most haemorrhagic fevers, infection is not as easily transmitted as the seasonal flu or even the swine flu.
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