ZOONOSES(Zoonotic diseases):A major challenge to human well-being.
Zoonoses are a worldwide public health risk and poses great burden to the public health care system especially in developing countries.
What are zoonoses:-Zoonoses are diseases transmitted from animals to humans and vice-versa.Eventhough some don't make the animals sick but will sicken a human and can be of short-term or long-term.
The common types of zoonoses include those caused by bacteria,viruses,fungi and parasites.It has been confirmed overtime that those transmitted through insect bites are some of the most serious of these diseases.
**LIST OF ZOONOTIC DISEASES**
Includes:Bovine tuberculosis,brucellosis,Ebola,hepatitis E,Leptospirosis,Anthrax,malaria,rabies,ringworm,Salmonella and E.coli infection,Swineflu,toxocariosis,toxoplasmosis,rat-bite fever,Streptococcal sepsis,Plague,Parrot fever,pasteurellosis,hemorraghic colitis,enzootic abortion,Encephalitis from ticks,fish tank granuloma,cat scratch fever,bird flu.
**MODE OF TRANSMISSION**
Ways through which zoonoses can be transmitted are..
-Through insect bites like ticks and mosquitoes.
-Through direct or indirect contact with infected animals.
-By ingesting contaminated meat.
-Through the air (inhalation).
Livestocks,famiy pet and zoo animals are common carriers of many zoonoses and those who are always in contact with them either as jobs or normal likes are mostly prone to these diseases.Individuals at higher risk of zoonoses are:HIV patients,cancer patients,pregnant women,adults of age 65 and above,children of 5years or younger and others with weekend immune systems.source
IMPACTS OF ZOONOSES ON HUMAN POPULATION
-Acute/chronic debilitating illness.
-Impairment of productivity.
-Increase in mortality rate.
-Adverse effects on morale of personnel.
-Loss of export and foreign exchange.
-Unfavorable publicity and monetary loss.
**PREVENTIVE MEASURES**
Prevention they say is better than cure.These includes...
-Thorough washing of hands with soap and water immediately after contact with animals.
-Insect repellent or other methods should be used in keeping ticks,fleas and mosquitoes away.
-Ensure you are not bitten or scratched by an animal.
-Always practice safe handling of food like storing in a container and washing well before eating.
-Ensure good hygiene for pets and food animals.
-Consult your veterinarian for vaccination of pets and should be done routinely.
-Always wear gloves before handling an infected animal.
-There should be creation of food safety regulations by the government to limit chances of getting zoonotic diseases.
**TREATMENT**
-Visit a medical practitioner if you have or think you have a zoonotic disease.
-Incase of animal scratch/bite,get enough details on the vaccination schedule of the animal from the owner to be sure it has been properly vaccinated.
-When bitten by a tick,preserve such tick in a safe container after removal for proper identification to reveal possible diseases it might transmit.source
In my next post,I will be discussing fully on some of the above listed zoonotic diseases,evident clinical signs to be seen in an infected person and steps to be taken for quick recovery.