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

Communicable diseases of childhood are highly contagious and should be controlled by proper hand-washing, other hygienic practices, and isolation and observation of the infected child.

1. Chickenpox ( Varicella).

Etiology: Chickenpox (varicella) is a childhood communicable disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. The disease spreads through direct contact with blister fluid or through the air. Infected child gets lifelong immunity to the disease.

Clinical manifestations: The clinical manifestations include a rash all over the body along with fever. The lesions are thin-walled, pink-to-red in color, and are easily broken.

Complications: One of the common complications is infection of lesions with bacteria. Rare complications like lung infection or brain infection are also seen. Children with immunocompromised conditions and those with recent sunburns or eczema have severe symptoms.

Management: Fever medicine like paracetamol should be given for fever and calamine lotion should be applied over the lesions to prevent scaring and itching. Oral antihistamines are also given to control itching. Oatmeal bath in lukewarm water is also good for itching.

2. Measles ( Rubeola).

Etiology: Measles is a highly contagious childhood disease, a respiratory system infection, caused by the measles virus of the genus Morbillivirus and spread from an infected person by coughing and sneezing. Infected child gets lifelong immunity to the disease.

Clinical manifestations: Clinical manifestations include cough, high fever, runny nose, and red watery eyes with a rash. Rash is seen on the head and face at the beginning and later moves to the entire body towards the feet.

Complications: Complications include breathing problems, vision problems, chest pain etc.

Management: Fever medicines such as Tylenol should be given for fever. The child should be encouraged to drink fluids and get rest. Vaporizer should be used to reduce coughing if needed.

3. Mumps:

Etiology: Mumps is a childhood communicable disease caused by the RNA virus, Rubulavirus of the genus Paramyxovirus. This disease spreads through the infected child’s respiratory droplets from the mouth and the nose. Infected child gets lifelong immunity to the disease.

Clinical manifestations: Fever with swollen tender salivary glands on one side of the face or both sides. Headache, loss of appetite, and fatigue are also experienced.

Complications: Complications in children include meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, sensorineural hearing loss, etc.

Management: Medications such as Tylenol should be given for fever and pain control. Plenty of fluids should be given to the child. Ice pack or heat pack should be placed on the swelling.

4. Pertussis:

Etiology: Pertussis is a childhood communicable disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which attach to the cilia of the upper respiratory tract. The infection spreads from person to person through the air.

Clinical manifestations: Clinical manifestations include paroxysmal cough along with runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing.

Complications: Bacterial pneumonia is a common complication. Infants below six months have severe complications such as weight loss, seizures, brain damage, and even death.

Management: Antibiotics such as erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin are given for treatment.