Communicable diseases

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease of sudden onset with slight fever, mild constitutional symptoms, and eruptions which are maculopapular for a few hours, vesicular for 3-4 days, and leave granular scabs.

What is the etiologic agent of chickenpox?

The etiologic agent of chickenpox is the human (alpha) herpes virus 3 (Varicella-zoster virus).

What are the sources of infection for chickenpox?

The sources of infection for chickenpox are secretions of the respiratory tract of infected persons, lesions (little consequence), and scabs are not infective.

What is the mode of transmission for chickenpox?

The mode of transmission for chickenpox is direct contact, contact with contaminated linen and fomites, and airborne.

What is the incubation period for chickenpox?

The incubation period for chickenpox is 2 to 3 weeks.

What is the period of communicability for chickenpox?

The period of communicability for chickenpox is cases are infectious for up to 2 days before the onset of the rash until 5 days after the first crop of vesicles.

What is the diagnostic test for chickenpox?

The diagnostic test for chickenpox is isolation of the virus from the vesicular fluid within the first 3 to 4 days of the rash, and serum antibodies are present in 7 days after onset.

What are the consequences of congenital varicella?

The consequences of congenital varicella are hypoplastic, deformities, and scarring of limb, retarded growth, CNS, and ophthalmic manifestation.

What are the nursing considerations for chickenpox?

The nursing considerations for chickenpox are strict isolation, exclusion from school for 1 week after eruption first appears and avoid contact with susceptible, and concurrent disinfection if throat and nose.

What is the recommended exclusion period for a student with chickenpox?

1 week after eruption first appears.

What is the mode of transmission of measles?

Droplet spread, direct contact with infected person, indirect contact with articles with secretions, and airborne.

What is the etiologic agent of measles?

Filterable virus of Measles (Paramyxoviridae).

What is the incubation period of measles?

1-2 weeks.

What is the period of communicability for measles?

Starts just before the prodrome and lasts until 4 days after the rash appears.

What is the recommended time frame for administering Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG)?

Within 10 days of exposure.

What is the best way to prevent the spread of chickenpox?

Vaccine and concurrent disinfection if throat and nose discharge.

What should be taught to the child and family regarding chickenpox?

How to apply topical antipruritic medication correctly and not to scratch the lesions.

What is the occurrence of second attacks of chickenpox?

Rare.

Who is more susceptible to severe chickenpox?

Adults.

What is the incubation period for measles?

1-2 weeks.

What are the clinical manifestations of measles during the pre-eruptive stage?

Fever, catarrhal symptoms (cough, conjunctivitis, coryza), photophobia, and Stimson's line (red line on the lower conjunctiva).

What are the clinical manifestations of measles during the eruptive stage?

Maculo-papular rash, high grade fever, anorexia and irritability, and a red and extremely sore throat.

What are the diagnostic procedures for measles?

Nose and throat swab, urinalysis, and blood exams (single raised IgM or rise on IgG).

What are the treatment modalities for measles?

Anti-viral drug (Isoprenosine), antibiotics, oxygen inhalation, and IV fluids.

What are the complications of measles?

Bronchopneumonia, otitis media, pneumonia, nephritis, and encephalitis.

What nursing management should be implemented for a patient with measles?

Isolation, maintain standard and airborne precautions, place the patient on a negative pressure room, tepid sponge bath (TSB), skin care, oral and nasal hygiene, eye care (photosensitivity), ear care, and daily elimination (mild laxatives).

What are some of the measures to be taken during Tepid Sponge Bath (TSB)?

Skin care, oral and nasal hygiene, eye care (photosensitivity), ear care, daily elimination (mild laxative), and limiting the diet to fruit juices, milk, and water during the febrile stage.

What medication should be given during Tepid Sponge Bath (TSB)?

Medication should be given as ordered by the physician, such as Penicillin.

What are the preventive measures for measles?

Immunization with anti-measles at the age of 9 months as a single dose, and MMR vaccine (15 mos.)

Who should not be given the measles vaccine?

Pregnant women, or persons with active tuberculosis, leukemia, lymphoma, or depressed immune system should not be given the measles vaccine.

What is Leprosy?

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease or Hansenosis, is a chronic systematic infection characterized by progressive cutaneous lesions.

What are the three distinct forms of Leprosy?

The three distinct forms of Leprosy are Lepromatous (Multibacillary) Leprosy and Tuberculoid (Paucibacillary) Leprosy.

What is Lepromatous (Multibacillary) Leprosy?

Lepromatous (Multibacillary) Leprosy is the most serious type of Leprosy, which causes damage to the respiratory tract, eyes, testes, nerves, and skin. It is not infectious, and the skin lesion contains a large amount of Hansen's bacillus.

What is Tuberculoid (Paucibacillary) Leprosy?

Tuberculoid (Paucibacillary) Leprosy is a type of Leprosy that affects the peripheral nerves, causing some degree of anesthesia and loss of sensation, and gradual destruction of the nerves.

What is the etiological agent of leprosy?

Mycobacterium leprae.

What is the incubation period of leprosy?

The incubation period varies from a few months to many years.

How is leprosy transmitted?

Leprosy is transmitted through airborne transmission and prolonged skin-to-skin contact.

What are the clinical manifestations of early leprosy?

Changes in skin color, loss of sensation on the skin, decrease/loss of sweating and hair growth over the lesion, thickened/painful nerves, muscle weakness, redness of the eye, nasal obstruction, and ulcers that do not heal.

What are the clinical manifestations of late leprosy?

Madarosis (loss of eyebrow and eyelashes) and lagopthalmos (inability to close eyelids), clawing of the hands, and feet.

What is the difference between tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy?

Tuberculoid leprosy affects the peripheral nerves and sometimes the surrounding skin, while lepromatous leprosy affects the skin and nerves throughout the body.

What is the Lepromin Test?

The Lepromin Test is a test used to diagnose leprosy, and it is positive in tuberculoid leprosy, but the organism is rarely isolated from the lesions.

What is the mode of action of leprosy on the nerves?

Leprosy causes some degree of anesthesia and loss of sensation and gradual destruction of the nerves.

What is borderline leprosy?

Borderline leprosy has the characteristics of both lepromatous and tuberculoid leprosy.

What is the appearance of macules in tuberculoid leprosy?

Macules are elevated with clearing at the center and more clearly defined than the lepromatous form.

What are some late symptoms of leprosy?

Madarosis, lagopthalmos, clawing of fingers and toes, contractures, sinking of the nose bridge, and gynecomastia.

What are the diagnostic tests for leprosy?

Slit skin smear and blood test (which shows increased RBC and ESR, and decreased Ca, albumin, and cholesterol levels).

What are the treatment modalities for leprosy?

Sulfone therapy, rehabilitation, recreational and occupational therapy, and multiple drug therapy.

What is the drug regimen for multibacillary leprosy?

Rifampicin, clofazimine, and dapsone for 12 months.

What is the drug regimen for paucibacillary leprosy?

Rifampicin and dapsone for 6-9 months.

What is the nursing management for leprosy?

Isolation and medical asepsis, full and nutritious diet, antipyretics, analgesics, and sedatives as needed, emotional support, tear substitutes for dry eyes, and avoiding injury to anesthetized limbs.

What is lagopthalmos?

Inability to close the eyelids.

What is madarosis?

Loss of eyebrow and eyelash hair.

What is gynecomastia?

Enlargement of breast tissue in males.

What is a slit skin smear?

A diagnostic test for leprosy that involves scraping the skin and examining it under a microscope.

What is sulfone therapy?

A treatment for leprosy that involves the use of sulfone drugs.

What is leprosy?

It is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes, causing deformities and ulceration.

What are some precautions to take for a patient with an anesthetized leg?

Tell the patient to avoid injury by not putting too much weight on the leg, testing water before entering to prevent scalding, and wearing appropriate footwear.

What are some prevention methods for leprosy?

Report all cases and suspect of leprosy, get the BCG vaccine, and provide health education.

What is scabies?

It is a highly transmissible skin infection that is characterized by burrows, pruritus, and excoriations with secondary bacterial infection.

What is the etiologic agent of scabies?

Sarcoptes scabei var. hominis.

What is the source of infection for scabies?

Human skin.

What are the modes of transmission for scabies?

Skin to skin contact and direct contact with fomites.

What is the incubation period for scabies?

The itch mite may burrow under the skin and lay ova within 24 hours of an original contact.

What is the period of communicability for scabies?

This disease is communicable for the entire period that the host is infected.

What are some clinical manifestations of scabies?

Intense itching that becomes more severe at night, burrows (lesions) seen in webs of the fingers, wrists, and elbows, and burrows in immunocompromised, infants, young children, and elderly appear in the face, neck, scalp, and ears.

What are some complications of scabies?

Persistent pruritus, intense scratching can lead to excoriation, tissue trauma, and secondary bacterial infection.

What are the complications of scabies?

Persistent pruritus, intense scratching can lead to excoriation, tissue trauma, and secondary bacterial infection.

What is the diagnostic procedure for scabies?

Superficial scraping and examination under a low-power microscope of material from a burrow.

What are the treatment options for scabies?

Aqueous Malathion lotion, Permethrin derma cream left on the skin for 8-12 hours, Benzyl Benzoate, Sulfur in petrolatum, Ivermectin – Anti-helminthic drug is effective in resistant cases, Antipruritic emollient or topical steroid for itching.

What are the nursing interventions for scabies?

Have the patient’s fingernails cut short to minimize skin breaks from scratching, instruct patient on proper application of the drugs, contaminated clothing or beddings should be dry-cleaned or boiled, advise patient to report any skin irritation, advise family member and other people who had close contact with the patient be checked for possible symptoms and be treated if necessary, practice contact precaution, terminal disinfection should be carried out, encourage the patient to verbalize his/her feelings.

What are the prevention and control measures for scabies?

Good personal hygiene, avoid contact with infected persons, all members of the household, including clothing and bedding, should be treated simultaneously.

What is the mechanism of action of Ivermectin in treating scabies?

Ivermectin is an anti-helminthic drug that is effective in resistant cases of scabies. It works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells of parasites, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.

What is the recommended duration for leaving Permethrin derma cream on the skin in treating scabies?

Permethrin derma cream should be left on the skin for 8-12 hours in treating scabies.

What is the recommended treatment for itching in scabies?

Antipruritic emollient or topical steroid is recommended for itching in scabies.

What is German Measles?

German Measles is a mild viral illness caused by rubella virus that causes mild feverish illness associated with rashes and aches in joints.

What are the prevention and control measures for German Measles?

Good personal hygiene and avoiding contact with infected persons are important prevention measures for German Measles. All members of the household, including close contact, should be treated.

What is the etiologic agent of German Measles?

The etiologic agent of German Measles is Rubella virus.

What is the mode of transmission of German Measles?

German Measles is transmitted through droplets and transplacental transmission in congenital rubella.

What is the incubation period of German Measles?

The incubation period of German Measles is 2 to 3 weeks.

What are the clinical manifestations of German Measles during the prodromal period?

The prodromal period of German Measles is characterized by low grade fever, headache, malaise, mild coryza, conjunctivitis, and post-auricular, sub-occipital and posterior cervical lymphadenopathy which occurs on the 3rd to the 5th day after onset.

What are the clinical manifestations of German Measles during the eruptive period?

The eruptive period of German Measles is characterized by Forchheimer’s spot (pinkish rash on the soft palate), eruption appears after the onset of adenopathy, children usually present less or no constitutional symptoms, the rash may last for one to five days and leaves no pigmentation nor desquamation, testicular pain in young adults, and transients polyarthralgia and polyarthritis may occur in adults.

What are the symptoms of Rubella?

What are the symptoms of Congenital Rubella Syndrome?

What are the diagnostic tests for Rubella?

What is the treatment for Rubella?

What are the complications of Rubella?

What are the complications of rubella?

Encephalitis, Neuritis, Arthritis, Arthralgias, Rubella syndrome manifested by microcephaly, mental retardation, cataract, deaf-mutism, and heart disease.

What are the nursing considerations for a patient with rubella?

Provide comfort, make sure female patients understand how important it is to avoid exposure to this disease when pregnant, report confirmed cases of rubella to local public health officials, warn the patient about possible mild fever, slight rash, transient arthralgia, and arthritis, suggest a cold compress to promote vasoconstriction and prevent antigenic cyst formation if lymphadenopathy persists after the initial 24 hours, darken the patient's room to avoid photophobia, irrigate the patient's eyes with warm saline to relieve irritation, and ensure good ventilation.

What is the prevention method for rubella?

Administration of live attenuated vaccine (MMR), pregnant women should avoid exposure to patients infected with rubella virus, and administration of Immune Serum Globulin one week after exposure to rubella.

What is pediculosis?

Any human infestation of lice that may occur anywhere on the body.

What is pediculosis capitis?

Lice feed on the scalp and rarely on the eyebrows or eyelashes.

What is Pediculosis capitis?

Lice infestation on the scalp and rarely on the skin under the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard.

What is Pediculosis Corporis?

Lice infestation next to the skin in clothing seams.

What is Pediculosis pubis?

Lice infestation primarily found in pubic hairs but may extend to the eyebrows, eyelashes, and axillary or body hair.

What are the modes of transmission for lice infestation?

Head-to-head contact, fomites, and sexual activity.

What is the incubation period for lice infestation?

3 to 7 days.

What are the clinical manifestations of lice infestation?

Pruritis (most common symptom of infestation), tickling sensation of something moving in the hair may be noticed, head lice and their nits are most commonly found behind the ears and on the hairs of the neck and occiput, body lice are found on clothing seams, and pubic lice will be found attached to the base of the pubic hair and the infestation generally results in severe itching.

What are the diagnostic tests for lice infestation?

Wood’s light examination (fluorescence of the adult lice) and microscopic examination (presence of nits on the hair shaft).

What is Wood's light examination used for in diagnosing pediculosis?

It is used to detect fluorescence of the adult lice.

What is the initial treatment of choice for pediculosis capitis and pediculosis pubis?

Permethrin (Eliminate) or Pyrethin (Rid Mousse), which are topical insecticides.