(4)Promoting Community Health and Disease Control

Infection

invasion and multiplication of microorganisms (infectious agents) in the body that result in cellular injury.

Disinfection

destruction of pathogenic microorganisms by processes that fail to meet the criteria for sterilization. Pasteurization is a form of disinfection.

Contamination

accidental release of hazardous biologic materials that pollute the environment and place humans at risk.

Decontamination

removal of hazardous biologic materials from the skin and/or mucous membranes by applying disinfectants or other forms of disinfection.

Zoonotic diseases

infectious diseases of animals that can cause disease when transmitted to humans.

Disease incidence

the occurrence of new cases of disease in a population over a specific period.

Epidemic-prone communicable diseases

diseases such as dengue, cholera, typhoid, and leptospirosis that can cause outbreaks.

Health security threats

risks posed by newly emerging diseases.

Respiratory diseases

diseases characterized by symptoms like cough and flu.

Bovine diseases

diseases affecting cattle, such as brucellosis.

Vector-borne diseases

diseases transmitted by vectors, such as malaria and dengue.

Open lesion diseases

diseases characterized by visible sores or lesions, such as carbuncle and impetigo contagiosa (MRSA).

Eradication of smallpox

total elimination or eradication of the disease through vaccination and no non-human transmission.

Sexually transmitted diseases

illness that has a significant probability of transmission between humans through sexual behavior.

Bacterial ST diseases

includes infections such as chancroid, chlamydia, granuloma inguinale, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Fungal ST diseases

includes infections such as tinea crucis (jock itch) and candidiasis (yeast infection).

Viral ST diseases

includes infections such as viral hepatitis, herpes simplex, HIV, HPV, and molluscum contagiosum.

Parasites ST diseases

includes infections such as crab louse and scabies.

Protozoal ST diseases

includes infections such as trichomoniasis.

Disease transmission

illness results when the infectious agent enters a person's body and multiplies, producing toxins that damage the body.

Direct transmission

transmission directly from one person to another.

Indirect transmission

transmission indirectly, from one person to another, often through infected animals or insects.

Vehicles of transfer

contaminated food, water, or inanimate objects that facilitate disease transmission.

Carrier

a person carrying a disease-causing microorganism without becoming ill but able to pass it to others.

Contact

a person who has been in contact with an infected person and may or may not have picked up the infection.

Incubation period

the time it takes a disease-causing microorganism to produce symptoms after entering a person's body.

Isolation period

the time during which a patient suffering from an infectious disease should be isolated from others.

Segregation period

the time during which a patient who may be incubating an infectious disease should be segregated from others.

Quarantine period

the time during which health authorities may require a suspect or infected person to be isolated from contact with others.

Epidemiological principles of disease control

guidelines and frameworks for managing and controlling diseases.

Signs and symptoms of infectious disease

initial features such as feeling unwell, poor appetite, lack of energy, mild fever, aches, and headache.

Fever

a common feature of infectious disease, often part of the body's defense against infection.

Paracetamol

1000 mg orally every four hours for fever.

Acetylsalicylic acid

Never give to under 18s with fever.

Rash

Characteristic skin change indicating possible infection.

Rash Examination

Assess pattern, size, color, form, and pustules.

Drug Rash

Itchy rash from antibiotics, often on back/legs.

Isolation

Necessary for diseases like tuberculosis and whooping cough.

Hand-washing

Best method to reduce infection transmission.

Masks

Prevent droplet transmission; damp masks are ineffective.

Preventive Measures

Actions that reduce infection spread risk.

Site Planning

Avoid overcrowding and poor hygiene in settlements.

Clean Water

Essential for preventing diarrhoeal diseases and typhoid.

Good Sanitation

Reduces risk of diarrhoeal and vector-borne diseases.

Adequate Nutrition

Critical for preventing tuberculosis and respiratory infections.

Vaccination

Prevents diseases like measles and meningitis.

Vector Control

Essential for managing malaria and dengue outbreaks.

Personal Protection

Use insecticide-treated nets for malaria prevention.

Personal Hygiene

Crucial for preventing louse-borne diseases.

Health Education

Informs about sexually transmitted infections and hygiene.

Case Management

Focused treatment for diseases like cholera and malaria.

Shelter Planning

Avoid overcrowding and vector breeding in camps.

Water Supply

Adequate safe water is critical for site selection.

Space Requirements

Sufficient space for population and amenities is vital.

Topography

Gently sloping sites preferred for natural drainage.

Vegetation

Good cover prevents erosion and provides shade.

Environmental Health

Avoid areas near vector breeding sites.

Security

Site must be distant from conflict zones.

Local Population Consideration

Respect local land use and cultural significance.

Fuel Supply

Wood, charcoal, and kerosene are cooking fuel options.

Environmental Sanitation

Develop barriers to prevent disease transmission.

Latrines

Essential for waste disposal in sanitation programs.

Sanitation Education

Complementary to engineering measures for effectiveness.