Influenza – INFLUENZA is an acute respiratory illness caused by infection with influenza viruses. It affects all age groups around the year.
Measles – Measles is an acute febrile eruption, which is a worldwide phenomenon. It is an extremely infectious disease. It occurs in children in epidemics, especially during the first eight years. In India, it is common during the months of January-March. A virus causes measles.
Herpes Zoster – HERPES ZOSTER is a sporadic disease. It is the consequence of the reactivation of latent virus from the spinal cord. It is a disease generally of the middle age and elderly and affects both sexes.
Herpes Simplex – The Herpes Simplex virus produces a variety of infections involving mucous-skin junctions (lips), the central nervous system and the genitals.
Rubella – Rubella is a three-day mild measles. However, if a pregnant woman gets it, it may lead to serious fetal infection and malformation. It is caused by the rubella virus.
Chicken Pox – Chicken Pox is a highly contagious condition. It affects both sexes of all age groups. It is however a common occurrence amongst children of 3-8 years of age. Immunity for life. Adult chickenpox is rare. But when it occurs it can be a serious attack with complications.
Polio – The poliovirus has an affinity for the central nervous system, which they usually reach by
passage across the blood-brain barrier. Also, the motor nerves supplying muscles are particularly vulnerable to infection.
Mumps – Mumps is an acute communicable disease of viral origin characterised by painful enlargement of the parotid glands. Mumps is common in children between the age of 5-9 years. One attack of mumps gives lifelong immunity.
Rabies – Rabies is an acute viral disease of the central nervous system that affects all mammals. It is transmitted by infected secretions usually saliva. Most exposures to rabies are through the
bite of an infected animal.
Malaria – Malaria is a disease transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In spite of
India’s National Malaria Eradication program, this disease which had been under control
has suddenly made a comeback. The resurgence of malaria is now a heavy burden on India.
Elephantiasis – Elephantiasis are worms that dwell in the tissue beneath the skin and in the lymphatic system. Filariasis is a very common condition amongst people of India living in the coastal regions of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Typhoid Fever – Typhoid Fever disease is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi. It is a common disease in the subcontinent and affects both sexes and all age groups. Poor hygiene conditions, open sanitation habits, flies, sale of exposed food, and illiteracy is responsible for this disease.The incubation period is 3 to 60 days.
Whooping Cough – Whooping Cough is an acute infection of the respiratory tract, seen only in children. It is typically a prolonged illness with an average duration of 6-8 weeks. The incubation period is 7-10 days.
Hansen’s Disease – Hansen’s Disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by the leprosy bacillus. It affects mainly the peripheral nerves, the skin, muscles, eyes, bones, testes and internal organs. It is one of the oldest diseases known to mankind. The word leper comes from a Greek word. In India, it is known as “KushtaRoga”and is attributed to a punishment from God.
Tetanus – Tetanus is a neuralgic disorder, characterised by increased muscle tension and spasms (Trismus). The disease is caused by a bacteria called clostridium tetani. This organism is found in soil and in animal feces. This disease is common in rural areas of India where the soil is cultivated.
Plague – Plague is an acute disease caused by Yersinia pestis. It is one of the most lethal infectious diseases known. The plague bacteria is present in India where rodent menace exists. It is transmitted to humans typically by the bite of a flea. Plague may be known as bubonic,
septicemic or pneumonic.