Introduction
Infectious tropical diseases are ones that are characterised by being prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It is commonly spread via insects such as mosquitoes and flies. There are a wide range of infectious diseases that are classified as tropical, and each have varying symptoms. In this article we will discuss a few of these infectious tropical diseases and their relevant symptoms.
History
Chagis is one of many infectious tropical diseases that is found in South and Central America, and it is spread by insects (Assassin bugs). There are two phases to this specific tropical disease, acute and chronic. During the acute stage the infected may show no actual signs of the disease, but during the chronic stage symptoms will be quite apparent. The potential symptoms that can occur during the acute stage are fever, general ill feeling (malaise), swelling of one eye, and swollen red area at site of insect bite. Once the acute stage has ceased, and the infected has not died, years can pass before the disease becomes apparent once again during the chronic stage of the disease. The accompanying symptoms are heart, intestinal and oesophageal damage and progressive weakness evident thorough constipation, digestive problems, pain in the abdomen, and swallowing difficulties.
The next on the list of infectious tropical diseases under discussion is Dengue Fever. This tropical disease is prevalent in tropics and subtropics areas and is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Symptoms usually become apparent after 3-14 days from being bitten. These symptoms are mild fever or an incapacitating high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rash, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, and swollen glands. There are no direct cure for this tropical disease, all that can be done is to maintain hydration and help alleviate the symptoms.
Features
Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium which is transmitted thorough an infected Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms for this tropical disease are usually apparent within 10-15 days of being infected and they include Anemia, bloody stools, chills, coma, convulsion, fever, headache, and jaundice, and muscle pain, nausea, sweating and vomiting.
Leishmaniasis is another on of the infectious tropical diseases spread by the bite of a female sand fly. There are four distinct classes of this disease, cutaneous forms, diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous forms, and visceral leishmaniasis. These different types of this tropical disease result in varying forms and severities of symptoms. Cutaneous forms of Leishmaniasis are characterised by breathing difficulty, skin sores, stuffy nose, runny nose, and nosebleeds, Swallowing difficulty and ulcers and wearing away in the mouth, tongue, gums, lips, and nose. Visceral leishmaniasis is characterized by high fever, noticeable weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, anaemia, thinning hair and night sweats.
Leprosy is spread via contact between infected and non-infected individuals. Thus it is an highly contagious disease with a long incubation period. The symptoms for this tropical disease include skin lesions that are lighter than your normal skin colour, Lesions have decreased sensation to touch, heat, or pain and do not heal for long periods of time (weeks- months),muscle weakness, and numbness or lack of feeling in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.
Tips and comments
If you ever have any of the symptoms listed above seek medical care immediately.
