Communicable, or infectious, diseases have a high public health priority for services and resource allocation. Surveillance by physicians and public health officials who gather information on communicable diseases is required for treating and controlling outbreaks. Clean water, sewage treatment and sanitary handling of food are also important to control the spread of infectious disease. Some microorganisms have developed resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Health care professionals must prescribe antibiotics responsibly, and the development of new drugs is needed.
Blood-Borne Infections
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in 2006, 56,300 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occurred in the United States. Although there is no cure, health care workers are able to identify HIV infection before the onset of illness. Early treatment with anti-retroviral drugs and careful monitoring can improve outcomes.
Many people in the United States are infected with viral hepatitis and do not realize it. According to the CDC, 43,000 people in the United States become infected with hepatitis B and 17,000 with hepatitis C each year. The CDC lists viral hepatitis as the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplant.
Drug Resistant Infections
Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a "superbug" created by the resistance of pathogens to commonly used antibiotics. MRSA causes skin infections in healthy persons who are in close contact, such as families and athletic teams. MRSA boils need to be surgically drained and bandaged. Careful handwashing prevents the spread of MRSA, which may be life-threatening in some patients.
Tuberculosis bacteria causes potentially fatal infection of the lungs or other body systems. Treatment with isoniazid (INH) and rifamicin may take up to six months but is generally effective. However, some strains of TB have developed resistance to these medications, requiring up to 24 months of treatment with four to six drugs.
Influenza
Influenza is a respiratory disease that spreads rapidly during seasonal epidemics. In early 2009 a new flu virus, H1N1, became a worldwide pandemic. The World Health Organization reports that pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk from serious complications of H1N1 influenza. Vaccination efforts are widespread.
Foodborne Disease
The USDA reports millions of cases of foodborne illness, or food poisoning, each year. Symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever may develop from ingesting bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E coli), listeria, or salmonella, that normally inhabit the intestinal tract. E coli can be transmitted by contaminated water, raw or undercooked meats and contaminated produce. According to the USDA, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure, particularly in young children. The listeria bacteria, which causes serious infections in pregnant women and newborns, may contaminate soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, luncheon meats and ready-to-eat deli foods.
Salmonella can be transmitted by raw or uncooked eggs, poultry, meat, seafood, or unpasteurized milk. Additionally, according to the Calvert County Health Department in Maryland, more than 70,000 cases of salmonella infection each year can be traced to handling pets such as reptiles and amphibians, particularly by children.
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