Malaria
Description
Malaria is endemic to tropic regions of Asia, Africa and South America. According to reports from WHO, over 2 million people die of this disease every year.
Cause
It is caused by the Female Anopheles Mosquito. When this mosquito bites an infected person, it sucks in the parasite and can spread it to anyone through a bite.
It may also be transmitted through blood transfusion. If an infected person donates blood, the parasite is passed on to the recipient.
Cure
Quinine is one of the most effective drugs but does not cure all malaria parasites. Other antibiotics like Tetracycline, Cleocin, Lariam, Fansidar and Chloroquine can also cure Malaria. Type of drug recommended depends on the region of occurrence.
Tuberculosis
Description
Tuberculosis is an old disease that has been in existence for centuries. It is a disease of the lungs and people with suppressed immune systems like HIV Infected patients, the poor and homeless, people living in crowded homes and care workers are highly susceptible. According to WHO, there's a record of 33 million TB-related deaths every year.
Cause
It is caused by a bacillus named Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. When an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes, the bacteria enter the air and can be inhaled by anyone.
Cure
The best way to treat this disease is Via DOTS - Directly Observed Treatment, short course. This means watching patients swallow every dose of drugs prescribed until they are healed.
AIDS
Description
Since 1981, 25 Million deaths have been caused by this deadly disease. Currently, about 40 Million people all over the world are living with the virus and millions have died and are still dying by the second.
Cause
It is caused by a virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus that is spread through Blood Contact and unprotected sexual intercourse.
Cure
There's no real cure but there are drugs that can be taken to suppress the growth and spread of the HIV Virus. These are called antiretroviral drugs. They are however, more effective when used in combinations though there are side effects.
Mesothelioma
Description
This disease is caused by inhalation of asbestos. Asbestos is made of tiny fibres that can be inhaled. It affects men more than women. Survival period after diagnosis is usually 1 year.
Cause
Asbestos Industries are mostly involved with ship repairing, construction works, ship building, etc. The disease is common amongst people that have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. Asbestos may also be inhaled by washing the clothes of someone who works with asbestos and by renovating a house with asbestos cement products.
Cure
Mortality is swift because usually, by the time the disease is detected, it is too late. Though it is regarded as incurable, there are 3 main methods of disease suppression for affected victims. These are Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy and Surgery.
Diarrheal Diseases
Description
4 billion cases occur each year and 2 million infants and children die each year from dehydration. 40% of these cases happen in Africa. Examples of diarrheal diseases are Cholera, typhoid dysentery, etc.
Cause
It is caused by drinking contaminated water that contains bacteria. These disease-carrying bacteria cause the body to lose fluid and salts thereby leading to dehydration. Contaminated milk, salads and poultry may also contain bacteria
Cure
Use of Intravenous fluids and salts (mixture of salt, sugar and water).
Influenza
Description
Influenza, a viral infection also known as "the flu", is a life threatening disease that killsbetween 250,000-500,000 a year worldwide. The worst out break of this flu was the Great Spanish Influenza of 1918 where a total of 20-50 million lost their lives. Experts fear a repeat of this case.
Cause
It is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory organs like the nose, throat, and lungs. It is spread through droplets of water from sneezing, coughing and laughing.
Cure
Use of Anti-viral drugs, if taken early enough.
Pneumonia
Description
Pneumonia is a deadly disease that attacks the lungs. It takes between 40,000 to 70,000 lives a year in the US and about 2 Million children each year, 40% of these children are in Africa.
Cause
It may be caused by certain bacteria, fungi, and virus. It is spread when an affected person coughs or sneezes. Burning of solid fuels which causes air pollution may also hasten the spread of pneumonia. Poor ventilation exposes young children to severe respiratory infections.
Cure
Penicillin is a cure for this disease. There are also other vaccines available to cure it. Time is however, of the essence, it kills within hours.
There are other diseases just as deadly, for example, Malnutrition (obesity and mineral deficiencies) are also major killers all over the world. Understanding these diseases help us to prevent them, deal with them when they occur or at least, alleviate the pain associated with infection.
