INFECTIOUS DISEASES
FACT SHEETS
Introduction to Health Protection
A Health Protection Team are responsible for the surveillance, investigation and control of communicable disease
and non-infectious environmental hazards. An outbreak is defined either as two or more linked cases of the same
illness or when the observed number of cases exceeds the number expected. All suspected outbreaks should be
reported to the Health Protection Specialist in your area.
There are specific diseases that require the diagnosing doctor to notify to the Health Protection Team under Public
Health Legislation. If you are in any doubt you should contact the Health Protection Specialist for your area.
Ayrshire and Arran NHS BoardPublic Health Specialist
Boswell House, 10 Arthur St
Ayr KA7 1QJ
Tel : 01292 885829
Fax : 01292 885890 E mail : / Greater Glasgow NHS Board
Health Protection Nurse Specialist
Dalian House PO Box 15327
350 St Vincent Street
GLASGOW G3 8YZ
Tel: 0141 201 4917
Fax: 0141 201 4950
E -mail: / Greater Glasgow NHS Board
Health Protection Nurse Specialist
Dalian House PO Box 15327
350 St Vincent Street
GLASGOW G3 8YZ
Tel: 0141 201 4909 Fax: 0141 201 4950
E-mail:
Health Protection Scotland
Nurse Consultant Infection Control
Health,
Clifton House
Clifton Place Glasgow G3 7LN
Telephone:0141 300 1165
E-mail / Lanarkshire NHS Board
Public Health Infection Control Nurse
14 Beckford Street
HAMILTON ML3 0TA
Tel: 01698 206351 Fax: 01698 424316
E-mail:
Please Note:
The following fact sheets must be read respecting the health status
of individuals and with the consideration to any individual risk assessments.INFECTIOUS DISEASES
FACT SHEETS
Contents List
001 Chicken Pox
002 Clostridium Difficile
003 Common cold
004 Crabs
005 Fleas
006 Glandular Fever
007 Headlice
008 Hepatitis A
009 Hepatitis B
010 Hepatitis C
011 HIV/AIDS
012 Influenza (Flu)
013 Meningitis
014 M.R.S.A
015 Scabies
016 Shingles
017 Tetanus
018 Toxoplasmosis
019 Tuberculosis
020 E-Coli 0157#
021 Legionnaires` Disease
Fact sheet – 001
Chicken Pox
What is Chicken Pox
It is a contagious illness, common in children. Someone who has had chicken pox gains immunity for life. However, the virus can return as Shingles in later life. Usually the condition runs its course without complication.
What are the Symptoms
v Prior to rash, person may feel unwell and have a temperature
v Rash beginning on body and face which spreads to limbs
v Itchy red spots which develop into blisters within hours
v Blisters turn into scabs after couple of days with new blisters appearing after 3-6 days
v Illness lasts 7-10 days in children and longer in adults, who can feel very unwell.
How is it Spread
v By direct contact with broken blisters when rash is present
v By airborne droplets. A person is infectious for about 3 days before the rash appears.
What is the Incubation Period
v The incubation period is 10-20 days
How to Prevent Infection
v This is difficult as condition is infectious before any signs are obvious
v Particular care should be taken to prevent contact with blisters when rash is present.
Treatment
v Normally the condition runs its course without treatment, although lotions or tablets may be given to control the itch.
Contact the Health Protection Specialist for further advice.
Fact sheet – 002
Clostridium Difficile
What is Clostridium Difficile
It is a bacteria which can live in the bowel without causing any harm. If the normal bacteria in the bowel alter, Clostridium Difficile can multiply and cause diarrhoea. This commonly occurs as a result of antibiotics or other medication and can affect elderly people while in hospital.
What are the Symptoms
v Unexplained diarrhoea, especially if client on antibiotic treatment.
How is it Spread
v It is not a risk to healthy people, including children
v It can spread in vulnerable people by airborne infection or hand to mouth contamination.
What is the Incubation Period
v Uncertain. Infectious only while diarrhoea persists.
How to Prevent Infection
v Encourage good personal hygiene on part of sufferer
v Universal Precaution should be practised by staff at all times.
Treatment
v Certain antibiotics may be stopped
v In severe diarrhoea, another antibiotic may be prescribed for 7-10 days
v Relapses may occur and should be notified to the GP.
Fact sheet – 003
Common Cold
What is a common cold?
A cold is an infection of the nose and upper airways caused by a virus. Many different viruses can cause a cold. This is why colds recur, and immunisation against colds is not possible. Children tend to have more colds than adults as adults have built up immunity to many viruses.
What are the symptoms?
The common symptoms are a blocked (congested) nose, a runny nose, and sneezing. The symptoms tend to be worse at first and then usually ease gradually over the next few days. It may be difficult to sleep due to a blocked nose. You may feel generally unwell and tired, and you may develop a high temperature (fever). Sometimes there is a mild sore throat, hoarseness and a cough. A build up of mucus behind the eardrums may cause dulled hearing or mild earache. The symptoms particularly cough, tend to be worse in smokers. The symptoms usually last for a week.
How is it spread
The viruses responsible for colds are spread from person to person as droplets in the air. Sneezing or coughing produces more droplets and helps to spread the infection. Touching infected surfaces, such as door handles or when shaking hands, and then passing the virus from the hands to the mouth is another route of infection for viruses.
What is the Incubation Period
Infected people can spread the viruses from two days before the symptoms of the illness start and up to four days afterwards. Colds can occur all year round but are more common in the winter months. On average, adults catch two to three colds each year. School age children can have twelve or more colds in a year.
Prevention
There are a few steps that can be taken to help prevent colds and flu:
v Isolation of people with colds and flu to prevent it spreading to other people, only if practical.
v Regular hand washing and immediate disposal of used tissues.
v A healthy lifestyle – a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, and regular (preferably daily) physical activity, if appropriate to health status.
v Not smoking – smokers are more likely to catch colds.
Treatment
There is no magic cure for the common cold. Antibiotics, which treat bacterial infections, do not work on viruses. Sometimes the symptoms take up to two weeks to clear fully. The most useful treatments to ease symptoms whilst your immune system clears the virus are: paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen, which will ease fever, sore throats, aches and pains. Pharmacists can give over-the-counter advice. Children under 16 years should not be given aspirin.
A fever may cause you to lose extra body fluid by sweating which may lead to mild dehydration making you feel more tired and give you a headache. Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (hot drinks are often soothing too). There is little evidence that other 'cold remedies' do much good but some people find them useful particularly at bedtime. As some remedies may contain paracetamol, extra care should be taken to ensure the maximum safe dose is not exceeded. Safe use instructions should be observed at all times.
If symptoms do not start to ease within a few days, or if you suspect that a complication is developing,
please consult your GP or NHS Direct (confidential helpline) for advice.
Fact sheet – 004
Crabs
What are Crabs
Crabs or Pubic Lice are one of three lice found to attack the body. Crabs are mainly found in pubic hair, but can sometimes be found in the underarm, eyebrows and eyelashes. Adult lice are approximately 1.2mm in diameter and can be seen on close inspection.
What are the Symptoms
v Intense itching mainly around the genital area.
How is it Spread
v Being sexually active with an infected person
v Sharing bedding or clothing with an infected person
v Physical contact of items, including toilet seat (this isn’t common but can happen).
What is the Incubation Period
v 1 week from infection until eggs hatch
v Lice live up to 30 days but need a constant supply of blood.
How to Prevent Infection
v Avoid sexual intercourse with contaminated persons
v Good personal hygiene at all times.
Treatment
v Crabs are treated with a prescribed drug (in form of shampoo)
v One treatment usually kills all of the bugs
v All clothing and bedding should be washed in hot water.
Fact sheet – 005
Fleas
What are Fleas
Fleas are a small parasite which attack animals, however, in the event that the animal is away for an extended period, fleas will bite humans. Bites are normally noticed around the waist, ankle, armpits, knees or elbows.
What are the Symptoms
v Rash
v Itch
v Hives
How is it Spread
v They only bite humans when animals are not available
v They jump.
What is the Incubation Period
v Instant, spots appear as soon as bitten.
How to Prevent Infection
v Use of insecticides
v Professional extermination may be necessary in some cases.
Treatment
v Insecticides
v Flea collar sprays
v Calamine lotion may help relieve the itching.
Fact sheet – 006
Glandular Fever
What is Glandular Fever
Glandular Fever is a viral infection, generally attacking the lymph nodes.
What are the Symptoms
v Swelling and tenderness of lymph nodes
v Fever
v Headache
v Sore throat
v Loss of appetite.
How is it Spread
v Through close contact with an infected person, i.e.: kissing
v It can also be spread through contact with nasal/throat discharge.
What is the Incubation Period
v The incubation period is variable – may be several weeks.
How to Prevent Infection
v Practise Universal Precautions
v Avoid contact (saliva) with anyone who is known to be infected by this virus.
Treatment
v Rest is the only advice given for the treatment of this infection.
Fact sheet – 007
Headlice
What are Headlice
Headlice are small parasites that live on the scalp. They bite through the skin and suck out blood to survive. The louse lays eggs called “nits”, which appear similar to dandruff, that stick to the hair shaft. They can be seen further down the hair shaft the longer they have been present.
What are the Symptoms
v Intense itching of the scalp
v Lice on scalp or on clothes
v Eggs on the hair shaft.
How is it Spread
v Through close contact with an infected person. They are only spread by head to head contact.
What is the Incubation Period
v Week to hatch
v Adults can live for 30 days, however, they die without constant blood supply.
How to Prevent Infection
v Good personal hygiene
v Avoid head to head contact
Treatment
v Prescribed shampoo and bone combing hair
v Wash bedding, clothing, etc. Separate from other laundry
v Sterilise all brushes and combs.
Fact sheet – 008
Hepatitis A
What is Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a virus, which can cause inflammation of the liver. It is carried in the bowel movements of an infected person and spreads through contact with faeces.
What are the Symptoms
v Some people may feel flu-like, others may have no symptoms
v Tiredness and a general feeling of unwell
v Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
v Fever and abdominal pain
v Loss of appetite and diarrhoea
v Diagnosis is confirmed by blood test.
How is it Spread
v Through touching an infected person’s stool (e.g.: during personal care) then eating or drinking using hands
v Drinking water or eating uncooked meat contaminated by infected stool
v Eating food prepared by someone who has touched infected stool
v Through anal sex with an infected person
What is the Incubation Period
v The period from being infected and developing symptoms is usually 4 weeks.
How to Prevent Infection
v Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food
v Always wear gloves where contact with faeces is possible
v Drink bottled water and take care with food when in another country
v Immunisation (if identified through a specific risk assessment).
Treatment
v Most people get well on their own after a few weeks
v Bed rest for several days and refraining from alcohol until well may be required
v Medication may be prescribed by the GP.
Contact the Health Protection Specialist for further advice.
Fact sheet – 009
Hepatitis B
What is Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus, which can cause inflammation of the liver. It is spread by contact with an infected person’s blood, semen or other body fluid.
What are the Symptoms
v Some people may feel flu-like, others may have no symptoms
v Tiredness and a general feeling of unwell
v Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
v Fever and abdominal pain
v Loss of appetite and diarrhoea
v Diagnosis is confirmed by blood test.
How is it Spread
v Through sharing needles, etc, or being pricked by a needle from an infected person
v Through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
v From infected mother to baby in the womb or at delivery
v Through sharing razors, toothbrushes, etc with an infected person
v Through tattoos or body piercing with dirty equipment.
What is the Incubation Period
v From the time of exposure to the onset of the disease is 2 to 6 months.
How to Prevent Infection
v Practice Universal Precautions at work
v Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse with high risk or numerous partners
v Avoid sharing any personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, etc, with an infected person
v Ensure all open wounds are covered
v Immunisation (if identified through a specific risk assessment).