SCABIES : HOW TO PROTECT

Scabies is a contagious disease caused by scabies worm . It is a contagious disease . About 3 million people are effected from it . The patient presents with itching and rashes of skin and there is formation of blisters and vesicles between fingers , around wrist and on head . It occurs by contact with effected person or use of already effected material .

CAUSES

Attack of scabies worm

Contaminated fomites

From one individual to an other

Lack of immunity

SIGNS

Rashes on the palm , wrist and the feet

Rashes on the male organs

In newborn rashes on face and head

Severe itching specially during sleep and bath

PREVENTION

Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness

Staying away from the patient

Washing clothing and linen with warm water

Keeping the body clean

  

RUBELLA CAN BE TRANSMITTED FROM MOTHER TO BABY

Rubella is also known as german measles . It is a contagious and an acute childhood infection which is caused by a virus . Usually it is mild and of short duration ( approximately 3 days ) . It is accompanied by low grade fever , lymphadenopathy and maculopapular rash .  Infection in early pregnancy may result in serious congenital defects including death . The disease has a world wide distribution and tends to occur in epidemics in non industrialized population .

CAUSES

It is caused by rubella virus and is transmitted by the nasopharyngeal secretions of the affected person and also from the affected mother to the fetus . If transmitted during the first three months of pregnancy it may result in congenital abnormalities like blindness ( due to cataract and glaucoma ) , deafness and heart defects . In case of severe attack the fetus may die in the womb .

SIGNS

The signs and symptoms appear in 2 to 3 weeks . They include

Low grade fever

Thick nasal secretions

Rash first on the face and then on the arms and legs .

Inflammation of eyes

Joint pain

Weakness of the whole body

TREATMENT

Rubella has no treatment

Rest and paracetamol can be advised

PREVENTION

Try to stay away from the patients

Rubella vaccine is included in the EPI schedule which is given in the 9^th month of life , booster dose is given at 25^th month of life  

Use of rubella vaccination specially before marriage in girls is recommended