Vaccine Preventable Viral Diseases Notes

Brain inflammation caused by a virus transmitted through infected saliva via bites or wounds.
The name "rabies" comes from a Latin word meaning "to rage."
Affects the central nervous system, leading to 100% fatal encephalitis.
Transmission via bites from dogs, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats; also possible through aerosols (bats).
Symptoms include "crazy" behavior, inability to swallow, fear of water, coma, and death.
Treatment involves HRIG (Human rabies immunoglobulin) and a series of 5 intradermal vaccines (expensive).
Old treatment: multiple painful injections into the abdomen with a large needle (cheaper).
Vaccination is recommended for vets, animal handlers, dogs, cats, and ferrets.

A febrile disease characterized by a body rash.
Vaccination: MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) administered only after the 1st birthday.

Harmful to the unborn, especially in the 1st trimester, causing deafness, mental retardation, and heart defects.
Spontaneous abortion occurs in up to 20% of cases.

Contracted by swallowing fecally contaminated water.
90% of polio infections have no symptoms.
In 1% of cases, the virus enters the CNS, destroying motor neurons, leading to acute flaccid paralysis.
Spinal polio is the most common form, characterized by asymmetric paralysis that most often involves the legs.
Polio vaccine was announced on 04/12/55.

Caused by the variola virus.
Believed to have emerged around 10,000 BC.
Caused more deaths throughout human history than any other disease.
Human is the only host.
Respiratory route of transmission.
Infects blood vessels and internal organs, producing a specific "jelly bean" rash.
30-35% fatal, may cause blindness, and permanent skin disfiguration.
First disease eradicated worldwide (1980) due to vaccination.
Vaccine still given to lab workers, researchers, and the military.
Smallpox-infected blankets were used as germ warfare against American Indians.
Still a possible biological weapon.