Question

Communicable Diseases of Childhood and write a summary about Chickenpox ( Varicella), Measles ( Rubeola), Mumps and Pertussis ( Include etiology, clinical manifestations, complications and management)

Answer 1

COMMUNICIABLE DISEASE OF CHILDHOOD:

• A communiciable disease is the one which is spread from one infected person to another person in many ways includes breathing in an airborne virus,bitten by an insects,contact with bodily fluids etc.
• Most common communiciable diseases of childhood are Chickenpox,Measles,Mumps,Pertussis etc.

1.CHICKENPOX(VARICELLA)

Etiology:

• Varicella is caused by the virus named as Varicella Zoster virus.
• This Virus is spread rapidly and very contagious.
• It can be spread by direct contact with rash.
• The transmission of this virus generally occurs through in respiratory droplets which contains the virus.
• At initally it infect in the mucosa of the upper airways.

Clinical Manifestation:

• High fever.
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Unwillingness

When chickenpox rash , it goes into three phases

1. Crust and scabs
2. Vesicles
3. Papules

Complication:

Generally chickenpox is mild disease but complications includes

• Dehydration
• Pneumonia
• Soft tissue
• Inflammation of the brain which is also known as encephalitis
• Death

Management:

• During chickenpox For relieving from the itching calamine lotion is used.
• For relieving the pain we should take pain killer like paracetamol after consulting a doctor
• Patient should take plenty of fluid
• Antiviral drug given should be taken by consulting doctor.

2.MEASLES(RUBEOLA)

Etiology:

• Generally measles caused by the virus named as Rubeola Virus.
• Measles is also caused by Morbillivirus.This virus mostly seen in spring and winter season.
• It generally spread through the direct contact of one infected child to another child.
• It also spread through airborne droplets from one infected child to another.

Clinical Manifestation:

• redness in the eyes of child
• High Fever
• hacking Cough
• Inside the cheeck of a child Red spot with white centre is appear
• Pneumonia in severe case.

Complications:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea due to dehydration
• Eye infection
• Middle ear infection
• Infection of the lungs
• Inflammation of the voice box which is also known as laryngitis

Managements:

• Increase the immune system
• Consume plenty of fluids
• Vitamine A foods such as carrot,broccoli should be taken

3.MUMPS

Etiology:

• Mumps is a type of single stranded RNA paramyxovirus.
• It spread easily from one infected person to another by saliva droplets.
• By sharing utensile or cups to a infected people, it also spread.

Clinical Manifestation:

• High fever
• Muscle aches
• tiredness
• Headache etc.

Complications:

• Inflammation in the pancreas which is known as pancreatitis
• Inflammation of the spinal cord
• Inflammation of the brain which is known as encephalitis
• Inflammation of breast tissue.

Management:

• For headache analgesics can be used.
• Alight diet should be taken
• Consume more amount of fluids
• Acidic food such as tomato,orange juice,vinegar containing food should be avoided.

4.PERTUSSIS

Etiology:

• Pertussis is generally known as whooping cough which is a respiratory illness disease.
• Whooping cough caused by the bacteria named as Bordetella Pertussis.
• It is a contagious disease which is only found in human.
• It spread one infected person to another by coughing or sneezing.
• After the cough begins infected people are most contagious upto two weeks.

Clinical Manifestation:

• Runny nose and sneezing
• Fatigue and fever
• Vomiting
• Exhaustion etc

Complications:

• Brain damage
• Very slowered breathing
• Dehydration
• Pneumonia etc

Management:

• For reduce transmission ,antibiotic treatment should be taken
• Drink plenty of food
• Take small and healthy meals