The Most Contagious Disease in the United States

Introduction

Health is the real wealth as stated by historians and accepted by us all. In our daily life, we are so busy that we usually neglect health priorities and end up having a disease transferred from others who are even more ignorant than us. Such acquired diseases are called infectious diseases, also known as contagious diseases or transmissible diseases, and include communicable diseases.

History

These diseases can affect masses and may result in epidemics meaning they can occur in an unexpectedly large number of people. Pathogens act by fighting against immune system of our body and results in fatal symptoms and complications which may leads to death sometimes.

Common Prevailing Contagious Diseases in the US

Common cold, Influenza, Strep throat, Scabies, Ringworm, Leishmaniasis , American Trypanosomiasis (“chaga’s disease”), Cholera, Hepatitis (A, C,D, E),Meningitis , Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Sexually transmitted disease, AIDS/HIV etc.

Common cold:

Each one of us has suffered this one, a few days rush of runny nose, sneezing and mild fever results in making us miserable. The supportive treatment, bed rest and plenty of fluids will help you pass through. It is contagious through body secretions.

Influenza:

The contagious influenza virus attacks the human respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as fever, headaches, fatigue, coughing, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. It used to be a serious threat as resulted in epidemics. Availability of the vaccine has result is nearly zero fatality rate.

Strep throat:

Strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria. Million cases of strep throat occur every year. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, and nausea. It is contagious and spread by secretions of your nose and throat.

Ringworm:

It’s a contagious itching skin disease caused by a fungi usually residing in soil. Results in ring shaped skin lesions. Its can often occur on the scalp.

Giardiasis:

A contagious disease of intestine, caused by flagellated (moving) protozoa named giardia. Results in diarrhea, cramps and mal-absorption while get transmitted to other's through fecal and oral routes.

Trypanosomiasis:

A contagious disease caused by a parasite and is transmitted through blood sucking bugs. This can result into damaging heart and central nervous system.

Cholera:

Not a very important disease in United States but occurs in a few country-side areas due to poor sanitary conditions of drinking water. Results in profuse diarrhea and dehydration and may cause death. Transmission is through fecal water contact of the case of cholera.

Hepatitis:

A highly contagious liver disease caused by specific virus. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine. Although those exposed usually develop lifelong immunity, the best protection against Hepatitis A is vaccination, while for other types work is being done.

Meningitis:

Meningitis, also called spinal meningitis, is an infection of the spinal cord. It is usually the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis is more severe than viral meningitis and may cause brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities and may cause fatality. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, delirium, photophobia, and a stiff neck.

Typhoid:

Typhoid fever causes an estimated 600,000 deaths annually. It usually spread via infected food or water. Symptoms include a sudden and sustained fever, severe headache, nausea, severe appetite loss, constipation, and sometimes diarrhea.

Tuberculosis:

Tuberculosis causes nearly 2 million deaths every year. The TB bacteria are most often found in the lungs, where they can cause chest pain and a bad cough that brings up bloody phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, chills, fever, and night sweats.

Sexually transmitted diseases:

STDs or venereal disease are transmitted by non-symptomatic carriers and results from unprotected sexual act and/or due to having multiple partners.

AIDS/HIV (STD)

Human immune deficiency virus causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome with no treatment yet achieved. It results from transfer of agent through unscreened blood transfusion, sexually and by bodily secretions exchange. It destroys body immune system and results in death of the patient.

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