HERPES SIMPLEX: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

What is Herpes Simplex? Herpes is a viral infectious disease known to be sexually transmitted, but can cause infections in other areas such as the central nervous system. The disease is quite common, especially among adolescents and young adults, and many people live with asymptomatic herpes, meaning they have the virus without ever having anContinue reading “HERPES SIMPLEX: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW”

LASSA FEVER: THE RODENT EPIDEMIC

What is Lassa Fever? The zoonotic disease, Lassa fever, is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted to man by a specie of rodent known as ‘Mastomys Rats’. The Lassa Virus, which is responsible for this disease is a member of the family of arenaviruses, and derives its name from the Lassa village in Borno State,Continue reading LASSA FEVER: THE RODENT EPIDEMIC

MONKEYPOX: UNDERSTANDING THE DISEASE

What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (transmitted from animals to humans) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most clinically relevant pox virus diseaseContinue reading “MONKEYPOX: UNDERSTANDING THE DISEASE”

TELEMEDICINE IN AFRICA: A DIFICULT BUT POSSIBLE REALITY

What is Telemedicine? The word ‘telemedicine’ originates from the Greek word “tele”, which means “at a distance”, and the Latin word “mederi”, meaning “healing” (referring to medicine). Thus, telemedicine can be said to literally mean “healing from a distance”. More concisely put, telemedicine refers to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) for diagnostic,Continue reading “TELEMEDICINE IN AFRICA: A DIFICULT BUT POSSIBLE REALITY”

SYPHILIS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

What is Syphilis? Syphilis is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which is mostly spread through sexual activity, including oral and anal sex. Infected persons often do not realize early enough that they have the disease, and are very likely to pass it on to their sexual partner. Syphilis was once considered a majorContinue reading “SYPHILIS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW”

GONORRHOEA: THE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HEALTH

What is Gonorrhoea? Gonorrhea, also referred to as “the clap” or “drip”, is an infectious sexually transmitted disease (STD) capable of occurring in both men and women. The disease is caused by specific bacteria known to mostly infect the urogenital tract, and occurs as a very common sexual infection among young individuals, especially those aged between 15-24Continue reading “GONORRHOEA: THE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HEALTH”

HIV/AIDS: EFFECTS ON HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

What is HIV/AIDS? HIV is an abbreviation that means Human Immunodeficiency Virus, while AIDS is an acronym that means Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV specifically refers to the virus which infects the body and damages the immune cells, thus making the person’s immune system become weaker (immunocompromised). AIDS is a severe disease complication that can ariseContinue reading “HIV/AIDS: EFFECTS ON HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEPATITIS

What is Hepatitis and what causes it? Hepatitis basically refers to the inflammation of the Liver. A number of things can cause the Liver to be inflamed, like excessive alcohol intake, hard drugs and toxic chemicals, however, the most common cause of hepatitis is the ‘Hepatitis Viruses’. There are five types of hepatitis viruses, whichContinue reading “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEPATITIS”

THE DISEASE CALLED DIPHTHERIA

What is Diphtheria? Diphtheria is a rare, highly communicable disease known to man from as far back as the 5th Century BC, when it was first discovered and described by the Classical Greek Physician, Hippocrates. The disease is caused by a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.Continue reading “THE DISEASE CALLED DIPHTHERIA”