Plagues aplenty again

RETURN OF THE SCOURGES: DISEASES THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY ERADICATED

Preventable illnesses making comeback, threatening lives.

These diseases had previously been eradicated or recorded to cause significantly fewer deaths. But now they are threatening to make a comeback. It was not long ago that having something as simple as a common cold was life-threatening.

With the advance of medicine and technology, many ailments had mostly been eradicated around the world.

Diseases such as polio, measles and smallpox which previously affected all regions, now only affect a few usually economically challenged countries.

However, with great knowledge comes inevitable counter-arguments. And usually this is a good thing. But not in the case of life-threatening diseases.

Many parents around the world have now opted not to vaccinate their children at birth, resulting in ancient diseases re-entering society. Only this time, it catches everyone off-guard, as it is assumed that most people have been vaccinated. The disease inevitably spreads and again it threatens millions of lives.

In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) explains, natural disasters increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks.

And unfortunately, developing countries, especially those that are densely populated, are the most vulnerable.

Some diseases that had posed serious threats to human life and are now returning, are discussed below.

Listeriosis

The first documented case of listeriosis was in 1924.

The bacteria was common in animals and has only affected humans in recent times. The bacteria is food-borne, most commonly found in dairy products, processed meats, poultry, fruits and vegetables and smoked fish.

Listeria can spread even if food is refrigerated.

There is no current vaccine. Listeriosis can be prevented by avoiding foods flagged as carriers of the listeria bacteria and also by sterilising food surfaces.

If diagnosed, the incubation period could last up to 90 days, the WHO revealed. Complications associated with listeriosis, including contracting meningitis or developing septicaemia, are responsible for the high mortality rate of this preventable disease.

Influenza

The years 1918 to 1920 saw the deadliest outbreak of influenza (flu) in the history of mankind. The outbreak was named one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, with a total of 500 million infections worldwide.

Seasonal flu continues to affect countless regions and is the one disease that consistently affects all regions, regardless of economic standing. It is highly infectious. It seems that this is one disease humans may never be able to completely shake off.

A flu vaccine is recommended, although not guaranteed to reduce infection.

Cholera

War-torn regions such as Yemen are still struggling with vicious cholera outbreaks. In April 2017, it was reported by Healthmap (see http://www. healthmap.org/site/diseasedaily/ article/yemen-faces-worst-cholera-outbreak-recent-history-72717), that over 350 000 cases of cholera had been recorded, with an average of 5 000 new cases every day. Lack of sanitation is a breeding ground for the spread of cholera, which is contracted as a result of contaminated food or drinking water.

The WHO reported in 2016 that more than 54% of cholera outbreaks occurred in African countries, with approximately 663 million people drinking unsafe water worldwide.

The organisation emphasises a multidisciplinary approach to eradicate this waterborne disease. It is vital to provide as many people as possible with safe, clean drinking water.

Syphilis

This ancient sexually-transmitted infection (STI) is increasing, especially in the US. Syphilis cases increased by 18% between 2015 and 2016.

Syphilis can be prevented by not engaging in any sexual intercourse. However, a more realistic way would be by having protected sex. Many who are infected do not show symptoms for years.

Syphilis can be cured with medicine prescribed by a healthcare professional, but cured sufferers can be reinfected.

Measles

The WHO observed a fourfold increase in measles cases in Europe alone in 2017 compared with measles cases of the previous year. The WHO’s findings also indicate that measles outbreaks affect one in four European countries. More than 20 000 cases of measles were reported last year.

Measles requires a baseline vaccination. Children under 15 years of age are most affected.

Yellow fever

In Brazil alone, 34 confirmed deaths related to yellow fever have occurred between July 2017 to January this year. This may not seem like a large number, but is still cause for concern. More than 100 cases are currently being investigated to curb any chance of an outbreak.

To illustrate how quickly an epidemic can spread, 962 confirmed cases of yellow fever occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2016, as a result of an outbreak in Angola at the end of 2015. The WHO immediately scheduled vaccines for the area. Vaccination is recommended as a preventative measure.

Bubonic and pneumonic plague

Madagascar terrified the world with a confirmed bubonic plague outbreak last year. The WHO recorded a total of 2 348 cases and 202 deaths. There were 1 791 cases of pneumonic plague.

Polio

This disease wreaked havoc in many parts of the world in the 1940s and 1950s. Polio can cause total paralysis within hours. The disease invades the nervous system.

Since 1988, the WHO has reported, cases of polio have decreased by 99% , mostly as a result of vaccines. –

Parents choosing not to vaccinate children.