Medical diseases have been a part of human history since ancient times, with some diseases still existing today despite advancements in modern medicine. While diseases like smallpox, polio, rubella, malaria, and diphtheria have been successfully eradicated in the U.S., there are still five diseases that continue to pose a threat to public health. From the bubonic plague to leprosy, tuberculosis, the mumps, and whooping cough, these diseases may surprise you with their persistence in today’s world.
Leprosy: The Misunderstood Disease
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and primarily affects the nerves and skin. This bacterial infection can lead to skin discoloration, nodules, burning, and even disfigurement if left untreated. While leprosy may seem like a disease of the past, approximately 225 Americans are diagnosed with it annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In the past, people with leprosy were isolated in colonies due to the belief that the disease was highly contagious. However, we now know that prolonged close contact with an infected person is required for transmission. Another source of transmission is from armadillos to humans. Fortunately, most people are immune to leprosy, and there are effective antibiotic treatments available for those who do contract the disease.
Tuberculosis: A Persistent Threat
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has been a scourge for thousands of years. Despite advances in healthcare, TB still claims over a million lives globally each year. In the U.S., about 8,000 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2022, with an additional 13 million classified as having latent TB.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough, chest pain, fever, and loss of appetite. TB is transmitted through inhalation of droplets released from an infected person who coughs or talks. Testing methods for TB include skin and blood tests, with treatment typically involving a regimen of antibiotics taken over several months.
The Mumps: A Preventable Disease
The mumps is a viral infection caused by the Paramyxovirus and is characterized by symptoms such as a swollen, painful jaw, puffy cheeks, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. While cases of the mumps have declined significantly since the introduction of the vaccine program in the late 1960s, the disease still exists today.
Transmission of the mumps occurs through respiratory droplets or saliva, making it easily spread through sneezing, talking, or coughing. Sharing utensils or drinking from the same cup as an infected person can also lead to transmission. While there is no specific cure for the mumps, treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and pain relief, with symptoms usually subsiding within a week.
Whooping Cough: The Sound of Danger
Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and affects the lungs and airways. With over 10,000 cases reported annually in the U.S., whooping cough is characterized by a severe, intense cough that can lead to the distinctive “whooping” sound when inhaling.
Symptoms of whooping cough include a runny nose, fever, and nasal congestion, with treatment involving antibiotics and vaccines. Despite vaccination, it is still possible to contract whooping cough, though symptoms are typically milder in vaccinated individuals. Understanding the symptoms and seeking prompt treatment is crucial in managing this potentially serious disease.
Plague: A Historical and Modern Threat
Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, the plague comes in two forms: bubonic and pneumonic. The bubonic plague, known as the Black Death, ravaged Europe during the Middle Ages, claiming millions of lives. Today, the plague affects a small number of people each year in the U.S., with symptoms including swollen lymph nodes, high fever, chills, and muscle cramps.
Transmission of the plague occurs through infected fleas connected to pets or small wild animals. Immediate treatment with antibiotics is essential when the plague is suspected, with supportive measures such as IV fluids, oxygen, and breathing support also provided. Considered a life-threatening disease and a potential bioweapon, vigilance and swift action are critical in managing cases of the plague.
In conclusion, while these five diseases may seem like relics of the past, they continue to pose a threat to public health in the present day. Understanding the symptoms, transmission methods, and available treatments for these diseases is crucial in preventing their spread and ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities. Despite the challenges they present, ongoing research and advancements in healthcare offer hope for better management and control of these persistent diseases.