Fifth Disease (erythema infectiosum)
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The childhood disease is a mild one and is caused by a virus so no antibiotic would be effective against it. It has no lasting effects and is characterized by red specks on the nose, cheeks, arms buttocks and thighs that are often blurred making it look as if the child has been slapped. Also called the “slapped cheek” syndrome, it can last for 14 days but is rarely accompanied by fever in children between age 4 and 12. The disease is an untreatable one and it usually goes away by itself. The infection manifests itself about two weeks after exposure and when the rashes appear, it is usually not infectious anymore. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to the disease for it is infectious and can lead to miscarriages. If you suspect contact with a child that is infected by the disease, contact a doctor immediately for close monitoring of you and the unborn fetuses health.
Campylobacter Infection
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A bacterial disease that is caused by Camphylobacter jejuna or Camphylobacter coli. that is present in animals such as pets and other wildlife. The disease is also recognized as one of the causes of Guillain-Barre’s Disease which is quite debilitating and can even cause death due to paralysis which can result from the infection of the central nervous system. Food, children’s toys (due to their insatiable habit of placing everything they touch into their mouths) and floors, all which can come in contact with animal feces can be a source of the disease. Symptoms range from vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea and you suspect having been in contact with animal feces. Pets are discouraged for those who have weak immune systems. Simple washing with soap and water is effective against the disease which is enough to remove the bacteria from your hands plus disinfection of the areas contaminated with feces by animals is highly recommended.
Chagas Disease
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Chagas or American trypanosomiasis is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi which is transmitted through contaminated feces of the triatomine bug or kissing bug, which feeds on the blood of both humans and animals. The disease is endemic throughout much of Mexico, central and South America where more than 11 million are estimated to be infected. The bug thrives in rural housing such as those which have mud walls and thatched roofs. Problems of the disease can range from cardiac to gastrointestinal problems, treatment of which is only available in the US through the CDC. The disease can also cause swelling in the brain or the membrane around the brain and there is immediate swelling in the point of injection. The parasite thrives in the host’s blood and is transmitted through all bodily fluids.
Cryptosporidiosis
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The Cryptosporidium group of parasites is one of the toughest germs to eradicate due to a hard shell that protects it from chlorine disinfection which is the normal means of treatment for potable water supplies and bodies of water such as swimming pools and others which can harbor the disease. Though the disease is associated with water, it can be spread from a myriad of sources such as contact with contaminated soil, meat and other dairy which may also be carriers of the germ. They live mainly in the intestines of animals and humans which is their main reproduction and distribution network. Any contaminated feces that comes in contact with drinking water and water used for bathing and other recreational use is quickly turned into a cesspool of the bacteria that is quick to infect all who come in contact with it. Children who attend daycare are also susceptible due to the wide variety of children and people who come in contact with them and the places they frequent. Proper sanitation such as regular disinfection of bathrooms and hands before and after changing diapers and using the toilet will kill the disease causing agents to prevent further spread. It is not uncommon for children in daycare to have feces leak from diapers which makes it a major concern for operators and children who are brought in with them. All surfaces should be disinfected with broad range cleansers which have the ability to kill off most bacterial and other infectious agents.
Bilharzias or Schistosomiasis
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The disease is also caused by parasitic worms that can enter a human body through contact with contaminated water. Schitosomes are parasitic organisms that live in snails and are common in developing countries where constant contact with untreated water may be used for bathing. People who come in contact with water that has been contaminated with raw sewage containing the feces and urine of infected humans are easily infected for the parasite can survive for 48 hours in water after leaving its host. The worms can go thought he skin and will grow in the blood vessels from which it releases eggs as it reaches maturity. The eggs then find their way into the bladder and intestines, which is expelled into the feces and urine to begin the cycle again. The infection is very hard to diagnose and may have similar symptoms such as diarrhea or dysentery. The reaction of the body is toward the eggs and not the worms themselves which makes diagnosis even harder. The parasites can be easily treated within one to two days as the worms and eggs are killed and flushed from the human body. The disease infects everybody but the effects can me devastating for small children due to their small and frail bodies.
Amebiasis
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The disease is more associated with hygiene for it is caused by an infection by an amoeba named Entamoeba hystolitica which is present and transmitted through feces. As said, the main cause of the disease is poor hygienic conditions such as those that exist in developing countries which do not have stringent sanitary infrastructure in place to prevent the contamination of drinking water by the parasite. A severe form of the disease, Amebic Dysentery may result in severe malnutrition if not treated systematically. Symptoms can have the person experience loose bowels, stomach cramps and pain. The disease is treatable with drugs and antibiotics though care should be taken with the stool of the person suffering for the disease for it is possible to spread the disease if improper sanitation is observed. The parasite thrives and is transmitted through objects that are contaminated or can carry the eggs of the parasite or the parasite itself. The disease can become deadly in children due to their frail bodies and weak body resistance which if left untreated can lead to death.