My Courses

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a common STI caused by the hepatitis B virus found in the large DNA. It is associated with three antigens of their antibodies, affecting the liver and can have a sudden onset. Modes of transmission: Blood and blood products. Direct contact with saliva, tears, and sweats from an infected person.…

Scabies: Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei.  The female mite burrows into the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) to lay eggs, causing intense itching and a characteristic rash. It\’s a significant public health problem, particularly affecting populations living in close proximity or with compromised hygiene.…

Anthrax  Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.  It\’s a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. While rare in humans, anthrax remains a significant public health concern due to its potential for use as a bioweapon. Etiology Bacillus anthracis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that…

RABIES Rabies, also known as hydrophobia, is a fatal viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation and acute encephalitis. It\’s caused by contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Causes: Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, a single-stranded RNA virus with a bullet-shaped morphology (130-300 nm). It belongs to…

CHICKEN POX (Varicella-Zoster Virus) Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the Herpesviridae family. It\’s characterized by a pruritic (itchy) rash that progresses through macules (flat spots), papules (raised bumps), vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), pustules (pus-filled blisters), and finally crusts. The colloquial name \”Don\’t Touch Me\”…

MUMPS Mumps, also known as epidemic parotitis, is an acute, contagious viral infection primarily affecting the salivary glands, most notably the parotid glands.  Mumps is an acute, systemic, communicable viral infection. Its most characteristic feature is the painful swelling of one or both parotid glands.  Aetiology: Mumps is caused by the mumps virus (genus Rubulavirus,…

YELLOW FEVER Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.  Yellow fever is an acute, contagious, notifiable viral hemorrhagic fever endemic in central and South America and Africa. The name derives from the jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) that affects some patients.  Aetiology: Yellow fever is caused by the…

HAEMORRHAGIC FEVERS Ebola and Marburg Ebola and Marburg are severe zoonotic multisystem febrile diseases caused by RNA viruses. They are notifiable diseases. Ebola Virus: Morphology: The Ebola virus is filamentous, often resembling a \”U\” or \”S\” shape. It measures approximately 2 μm (micrometers) in length and 70-80 nm (nanometers) in diameter. It has an internal…

Brucellosis (Undulant Fever, Malta Fever, Abortus Fever) Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection of acute onset, commonly known as undulant fever, Malta fever, or abortus fever.  It\’s primarily an occupational disease among people working with infected livestock or associated fresh animal products. This includes butchers, farmers, abattoir workers, and vendors of contaminated roasted meat (muchomo).…

HOME VISITING IN COMMUNITY HEALTH Home visiting is highly essential to community health services, as a large number of patients are found in their homes. Home visiting refers to the process of providing nursing care to patients at their residences. Objectives of Home Visiting: Establish close relationships with the community and families. Assess the living…