Re: isn't it interesting
a_weisman_at_yahoo.com
Date: 03/26/05
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Date: 26 Mar 2005 08:56:00 -0800
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Description of U.S.
List of Nationally
Notifiable Infectious
Diseases, 2004
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 42 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
and if left untreated, may facilitate the transmission of HIV.
Chancroid can
successfully be treated with antibiotics.
Chlamydial infection is a STD resulting from a bacterial infection. One
of the most widespread bacterial STDs in the United States, genital
chlamydial infection can occur during oral, vaginal, or anal sexual
contact
with an infected partner. Because chlamydial infection does not make
most people sick, infected persons may not know they have it and
symptoms that do develop may be mild. Chlamydial infection is treated
with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious
illnesses.
Cholera is a bacterial illness that is contracted by ingesting
contaminated
water or food. Infection results in acute watery diarrhea, leading to
extreme dehydration and death if left unaddressed. Known vaccines and
antibiotics have only limited impact on the disease—treatment focuses
on
rehydration. In the United States, cholera has been virtually
eliminated by
modern sewage and water treatment systems. However, travelers have
brought contaminated seafood back to the United States resulting in
foodborne outbreaks.
Coccidioidomycosis is a disease caused by a fungus that grows as a mold
in the soil. It is transmitted through inhalation after a disturbance
of
contaminated soil by humans or natural disasters, such as earthquakes
and
usually presents as a flu-like illness with symptoms such as fever,
cough,
headaches, and rash. Although most infections are undetectable, it can
cause serious and life-threatening infections, especially among the
immunosuppressed. The disease causing fungus is endemic in soil in
semiarid areas, including the Southwestern United States. Various drugs
are now available to treat this disease.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite and can be spread
through contaminated water, uncooked contaminated foods, including
fruits and vegetables, and any surface that has been in contact with
the
parasite. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps or upset stomach,
and a slight fever. People with weak immune systems may have more
serious reactions. There is currently no consistently effective
treatment for
this disease.
Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by a microscopic parasite
that infects the small intestine. Humans contract the illness by
ingesting
contaminated water or food. Cyclosporiasis usually results in watery
diarrhea. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, substantial
weight
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 43 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
loss, bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. This
disease is often treated with a combination of two antibiotics.
Diphtheria is a respiratory disease occurring worldwide that is spread
through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms range from mild to severe and
can be complicated by damage to the heart muscle or peripheral nerves.
Treatment for diphtheria consists of immediate administration of
diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics.
Ehrlichiosis is the general name used to describe several bacterial
diseases that affect humans and animals. In the United States, the
disease
is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Early clinical
presentations of ehrlichiosis may resemble nonspecific signs and
symptoms of various other infectious and non-infectious diseases, such
as
fever, headache, and muscle ache. In some cases, patients develop a
very
mild form of the disease and may not seek medical attention or present
any symptoms. In other cases, Ehrlichiosis may be treated with an
antibiotic. The disease occurs primarily in the southeastern and south
central regions of the United States.
Encephalitis, Arboviral is an inflammation of the brain that may be
caused by arthropod-borne viruses, also called arboviruses. Six types
of
arboviral encephalitides are present in the United States—eastern
equine
encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, La
Crosse
encephalitis, and West Nile encephalitis, all of which are transmitted
by
mosquitoes, and Powassan encephalitis, which is transmitted by ticks.
The
majority of human infections are asymptomatic or may result in a
nonspecific flu-like syndrome. However, in a small proportion of cases,
infections may lead to death or permanent neurologic damage. No
effective antiviral drugs have been discovered and there are no
commercially available human vaccines for these diseases.
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that
includes multiple serotypes, such as E. coli O157:H7, that can cause
gastroenteritis in humans. E. coli is normally found in the intestines
and
serves a useful function in the body. However, a minority of E. coli
strains
are capable of causing human illness. Transmission occurs by ingesting
contaminated food or water. Infections vary in severity and may be
characterized by diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps. The
illness is usually self-limited and lasts for an average of 8 days.
Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by a one-celled, microscopic
parasite in the intestines of humans and animals. It has become
recognized
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 44 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in humans in the
United States. Humans may contract the disease by accidentally
swallowing the parasite, such as through swallowing contaminated water
or eating uncooked, contaminated food. Symptoms of giardiasis include
diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, and upset stomach.
Several drugs are available to treat this disease.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD that infects the genital tract, the mouth,
and
the rectum. Gonorrhea is transmitted during sexual intercourse and
affects
both women and men. Symptoms in women include bleeding associated
with vaginal intercourse and painful or burning sensations when
urinating.
Symptoms in men include pus from the penis and pain and burning
sensations during urination. Gonorrhea is usually treated with
antibiotics.
Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterium found in the nose and throat
that is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets
from a
carrier or patient. It causes a variety of illnesses including
meningitis
(inflammation of the coverings of the spinal column and brain),
bacteremia (infection of the blood), pneumonia (infection of the
lungs),
and septic arthritis (infection of the joints). Serious infections are
treated
with specific antibiotics.
Hansen’s disease (leprosy) is a chronic bacterial infection for which
the
exact mode of transmission is not fully understood. However, most
investigators think that the bacterium is usually spread from
human-tohuman
through respiratory droplets. Primarily affecting the skin, nerves,
and mucous membranes, leprosy causes deformities of the face and
extremities after many years but those receiving antibiotic treatment
are
considered free of active infection.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is caused by several strains of a virus
that is transmitted by exposure to infected rodents. Symptoms include
fever, fatigue, muscle aches, coughing, and shortness of breath; the
onset
of respiratory distress often leads to death. There is no specific
treatment
for the disease, other than appropriate management of respiratory
problems. The virus was first identified in the Southwestern United
States
in 1993.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is one of the most common causes of
sudden, short-term kidney failure in children. Most cases occur after
an
infection of the digestive system by a specific E. coli bacterium. It
develops when the bacteria lodged in the digestive system make toxins
that enter the bloodstream and start to destroy red blood cells.
Symptoms
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 45 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
may not become apparent until a week after the digestive problems and
include, paleness, tiredness, and irritability, as well as small,
unexplained
bruises or bleeding from the nose or mouth. Treatments usually consist
of
maintaining normal salt and water levels in the body, but may include
blood transfusions.
Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection of the liver. Human-to-human
transmission of hepatitis A often occurs by placing something
contaminated in the mouth. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue,
abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and fever. A
vaccine is
available for protection against hepatitis A and once a person has had
the
disease, it cannot be contracted again.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that is transmitted by
contact
with the body fluids of an infected person. The virus may cause an
acute
illness, as well as a life-long infection that carries a high risk of
serious
illness or eventual death from liver cancer or cirrhosis. Symptoms
include
jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
and
joint pain. An effective vaccine that has been available for this
disease
since 1982 is the best protection against hepatitis B. Treatment is
also
available for chronic hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that may be either acute
or
chronic and is transmitted by contact with the body fluids of an
infected
person. Symptoms of this disease include jaundice, fatigue, dark urine,
abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and nausea. There is currently no
vaccine
available for hepatitis C; however two drugs are available for
treatment.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS and is transmitted
through contact with the body fluids of an infected person or from
mother
to baby. Infected adults may be asymptomatic for 10 years or more.
Because the immune system is weakened there is eventually greater
susceptibility to opportunistic diseases such as pneumonia and
tuberculosis. Drugs are available that can prevent transmission from
pregnant mothers to their unborn children and can help slow the onset
of
AIDS.
Legionellosis is a bacterial infection that has two distinct forms—
Legionnaires’ disease, the more severe form of infection, which
includes
pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a milder illness. Legionellosis outbreaks
have often occurred after persons have breathed mists that come from a
contaminated water source. Symptoms for Legionnaires’ disease usually
include fever, chills, and a cough. Chest X-rays often show pneumonia;
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 46 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
however additional tests are needed to confirm diagnosis. Those with
Pontiac fever experience fever and muscle aches and do not have
pneumonia. Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics, while
those
with Pontiac fever generally recover without treatment.
Listeriosis is a bacterial foodborne illness. The disease affects
primarily
pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems
and is spread through the consumption of contaminated food. Symptoms
of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and, at times,
gastrointestinal
symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. Listeriosis is treated with
antibiotics.
Lyme disease is a bacterial illness transmitted by ticks. The area
around
the tick bite sometimes develops a “bull’s eye” rash, typically
accompanied
by fever, headache, and musculoskeletal aches and pains. There is an
effective vaccine for adults at high risk. If untreated by antibiotics,
arthritis, neurologic abnormalities, and—rarely—cardiac problems may
follow. The disease is rarely, if ever, fatal and is endemic in North
America
and Europe. The pathogen for Lyme disease was first detected in the
United States in 1982.
Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms include fever, shivering, joint pain, headache, repeated
vomiting, severe anemia, convulsions, coma, and, in severe cases,
death.
Malaria is becoming increasingly resistant to known antimalarial
treatments and is now reemerging in countries where it was once under
control.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, transmitted through
humanto-
human contact, such as by coughing or sneezing. It often strikes
children and causes fever, conjunctivitis, congestion, and cough,
followed
by a rash. Secondary infections often cause further complications. A
measles vaccine is available.
Meningococcal disease, caused by a particular type of bacteria, is
transmitted by human-to-human contact and is characterized by sudden
onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered consciousness.
There
is a vaccine for this disease, but it loses its effectiveness over time
and
must be repeated.
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 47 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
Mumps is a viral disease of the lymph nodes, transmitted though
humanto-
human contact, such as by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include
fever, headache, muscle ache, and swelling of the lymph nodes close to
the
jaw. A vaccine is available to prevent mumps.
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial disease
transmitted though human-to-human contact, such as by coughing or
sneezing. Symptoms include runny nose and sneezing, a mild fever, and a
cough that gradually becomes more severe, turning into coughing spasms
that end in vomiting and exhaustion. Pertussis is treatable with
antibiotics,
and a pertussis vaccine is available.
Plague, a severe bacterial infection, is usually transmitted to humans
by
infected rodent fleas (bubonic plague) and uncommonly by human-tohuman
respiratory exposure (pneumonic plague). Symptoms of bubonic
plague include swollen, painful lymph glands, fever, chills, headache,
and
exhaustion. People with pneumonic plague develop cough, bloody sputum,
and breathing difficulty. Plague is treatable with antibiotics if
diagnosed
early.
Poliomyelitis, paralytic (polio) is a virus transmitted through
humanto-
human contact. In most cases, there are no symptoms or only mild,
flulike
symptoms. However, it may lead to debility of the lower extremities.
Although there is no cure, an effective vaccine is available.
Psittacosis (parrot fever) is a bacterial infection that is spread from
birds to humans. Humans become infected by inhaling aerosolized dried
bird droppings and by handling infected birds. Symptoms of psittacosis
include fever, headache, rash, chills, and sometimes pneumonia. The
disease is treatable with antibiotics.
Q Fever is a bacterial disease that is spread from livestock or
domesticated pets to humans. Infection of humans usually occurs by
inhalation of barnyard dust contaminated with animal fluids. Symptoms
for Q fever are not specific to this disease, making it difficult to
make an
accurate diagnosis without appropriate laboratory testing. However,
most
acute cases begin with a sudden onset of symptoms such as high fevers,
severe headache, confusion, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain, and chest pain. Q fever is treated with antibiotics.
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through contact with saliva of
infected animals. Symptoms progress from respiratory, gastrointestinal,
or
central nervous system affliction to hyperactivity to complete
paralysis,
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 48 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
coma, and death. Once symptoms start to appear, the disease is not
treatable. Multiple-dose courses of vaccine and immunoglobulin can be
used to prevent onset of the disease if administered immediately after
contact with a suspected carrier.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial disease spread to humans
by ticks. It can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Initial
signs and
symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever, headache, and
muscle pain, followed by the development of a rash. Without prompt and
appropriate treatment of antibiotics, it can be fatal.
Rubella is a viral disease that is transmitted through human-to-human
contact, such as by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of this disease
include a rash, conjunctivitis, low fever, and nausea. Natural rubella
infection normally confers lifelong immunity. A number of vaccines for
rubella are also available.
Congenital rubella syndrome is a form of rubella that is characterized
by multiple defects, particularly to the brain, heart, eyes, and ears.
This
syndrome is an important cause of hearing and visual impairment and
mental retardation in areas where the mild form of rubella has not been
controlled or eliminated. The primary purpose of the rubella vaccine is
to
prevent the occurrence of this disease.
Salmonellosis (salmonella infection) is a bacterial infection
transmitted to humans by eating contaminated foods. Most persons
infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Infections often do not require treatment unless the patient becomes
severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. In
this
latter instance, antibiotics are used to treat salmonellosis.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging, viral
respiratory illness that seems to be transmitted primarily through
close
human-to-human contact, such as through coughing and sneezing. In
general, SARS begins with a high fever. Other symptoms may include
headache, an overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people
also have mild respiratory symptoms at the onset and may develop a dry
cough and most patients develop pneumonia. Currently, there is no
definitive test to identify SARS during the early phase of the illness,
which
complicates diagnosis. Furthermore, there is no specific treatment for
SARS. SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003.
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 49 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
Shigellosis is a highly contagious, diarrheal disease caused by four
strains
of bacteria and is transmitted by human-to-human contact and
contaminated food and water. One of these strains, an unusually
virulent
pathogen, causes large-scale, regional outbreaks of dysentery (bloody
diarrhea). In addition to diarrhea, patients experience fever,
abdominal
cramps, and rectal pain. The disease is treatable by rehydration and
antibiotics.
Smallpox is an acute, contagious, and sometimes fatal viral disease
transmitted through human-to-human contact. Symptoms usually begin
with high fever, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting. A rash
follows that spreads and progresses to raised bumps and pus-filled
blisters
that eventually fall off, leaving pitted scars. There is no treatment
for
smallpox. However, it can be prevented through use of the smallpox
vaccine.
Streptococcal disease (invasive Group A) is a bacterial disease
transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s mucus or
through contact with wounds or sores on the skin. Invasive group A
streptococcus (GAS) infections occur when bacteria get into parts of
the
body where they are not usually found, such as the blood, muscle, or
lung.
GAS infections can be treated with many different antibiotics.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is one of the most severe,
but least common forms of invasive GAS diseases. STSS, which is not
spread from human-to-human, causes blood pressure to rapidly drop and
organs to fail. Symptoms include fever, dizziness, confusion and a flat
red
rash over large areas of the body. Early treatment of GAS infections
with
antibiotics may reduce the risk of death from invasive GAS disease.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium that includes more than 90
strains and is transmitted through human-to-human contact. It is the
cause
of multiple diseases, including pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, and
sinusitis. Some strains of this bacterium are becoming resistant to one
or
more antibiotics. CDC and several states are currently conducting
additional surveillance for the resistant forms of this bacterium.
Syphilis is a bacterial STD with signs and symptoms that are
indistinguishable from those of other diseases. Syphilis is passed from
person-to-person through direct contact with a syphilis sore and
progresses through three stages. The primary stage is usually marked by
the appearance of a single sore. The second stage is involves a skin
rash
and mucous membrane lesions. Finally, the late stage begins when
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 50 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
secondary symptoms disappear. Many people infected with syphilis do not
have any symptoms for years yet remain at risk for late complications
if
they are not treated. Syphilis is easy to treat in its early stages,
usually with
antibiotics.
Tetanus (lockjaw) is caused by a bacterium found in the intestines of
many animals and in the soil. It is transmitted to humans through open
wounds. Symptoms include generalized rigidity and convulsive spasms of
the skeletal muscles. Tetanus can be treated with an antitoxin, and
there is
an effective vaccine.
Toxic shock syndrome is a bacterial disease that develops when the
disease-causing bacterium colonizes skin and mucous membranes in
humans. This disease has been associated with the use of tampons and
intravaginal contraceptive devices in women and occurs as a
complication
of skin abscesses or surgery. Characterized by sudden onset of fever,
chills, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and rash, toxic shock
syndrome
can rapidly progress to severe and intractable hypotension and
multisystem dysfunction. Treatment usually includes the use of
antibiotics
and supportive treatment to prevent dehydration and organ failure.
Trichinosis (trichinellosis) is food-borne illness caused by eating raw
or undercooked pork and wild game products infected with a species of
worm larvae. It cannot be spread from human-to-human, but only through
consumption of contaminated food. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea,
vomiting, fatigue, fever, and abdominal discomfort, followed by
additional
symptoms, such as headaches, fevers, chills, aching joints, and muscle
pains. Several drugs are available to treat trichinosis.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that is usually transmitted by
contact
with an infected person. People with healthy immune systems can become
infected but not ill. Symptoms of tuberculosis can include a bad cough,
coughing up blood, pain in the chest, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and
chills.
Several drugs can be used to treat tuberculosis, but the disease is
becoming increasingly drug resistant.
Tularemia is caused by a bacterium often found in animals. Humans can
contract tularemia in different ways, including being bitten by an
infected
tick or other insect, handling infected animal carcasses, by ingesting
contaminated food or water, or by inhaling the bacterium. Symptoms of
this disease can include sudden fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches,
joint pain, dry cough, and progressive weakness. Tularemia is often
treated with antibiotics.
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 51 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
Typhoid fever is a bacterial illness transmitted through contaminated
food and water. Symptoms include high fever, stomach pains, and in some
cases a rash. It is treatable by antibiotics and there is also a
vaccine
available, although it is not always effective.
Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus aureus are
specific bacteria resistant to the antimicrobial agent vancomycin.
Persons
that develop these infections have certain characteristics such as
having
several underlying health conditions (such as diabetes and kidney
disease), recent hospitalizations, and recent exposure to vancomycin
and
other antimicrobial agents. Despite their resistance to vancomycin,
these
infections can be treated with several drugs.
Varicella (chickenpox) is highly infectious, viral disease that spreads
from human-to-human contact, such as through coughing or sneezing. It
results in a blister-like rash that appears first on the trunk and
face, but
can spread over the entire body. Other symptoms include itching,
tiredness, and fever. Multiple drug treatments and a vaccine for
varicella
are available.
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs in tropical
and
subtropical areas. The yellow fever virus is transmitted to humans
through
a specific mosquito. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache,
loss
of appetite, and nausea. There is no treatment for yellow fever beyond
supportive therapies. A vaccine for yellow fever is available.
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) is a rare, degenerative,
fatal brain disorder in humans. It is believed that vCJD is contracted
through the consumption of cattle products contaminated with the agent
of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or “mad cow disease”—a
slowly progressive, degenerative, fatal disease affecting the central
nervous system of adult cattle. There is no known treatment of vCJD.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection that results in a severe,
flulike
illness with specific symptoms that vary based on the age of the
victim. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a potentially lethal complication
that
may include convulsions. There is no vaccine for dengue fever, nor is
there
any treatment beyond supportive therapy.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever, a viral disease, is transmitted by direct
contact with the body fluids of infected individuals, causing acute
fever,
diarrhea that can be bloody, vomiting, internal and external bleeding,
and
Selected Worldwide
Emerging Infectious
Diseases
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 52 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
other symptoms. There is no known cure, although some measures,
including rehydration, can improve the odds of survival. Ebola kills
more
than half of those it infects. Identified for the first time in 1976,
the Ebola
virus is still considered rare, but there have been a number of
outbreaks in
central Africa.
Echinococcosis (Alveolar Hydatid disease) is caused by a parasitic
tapeworm found mostly in the Northern Hemisphere. The disease is
transmitted to humans when they swallow the tapeworm eggs, either on
contaminated food, or after contact with an animal carrier. Symptoms
are
slow to appear, usually involving the liver—and may mimic liver cancer
or
cirrhosis—and can include abdominal pain, weakness, and weight loss.
Surgery is the most common form of treatment, although follow-up
medication is often needed.
Hendra virus infection occurs in both humans and many species of
animals. In humans, it causes a respiratory disease that is often
fatal. It
was discovered in 1994, and has not been found outside of Australia.
Human monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by a virus related to
smallpox. It is transmitted to humans through contact with infected
animals as well as through human-to-human contact. In humans,
symptoms of monkeypox are similar to smallpox, but usually they are
milder. Monkeypox symptoms include fever, muscle ache, swelling of the
lymph nodes, and a fluid-filled rash. The first case of monkeypox in
the
United States occurred in June 2003. There is no specific treatment for
monkeypox but the smallpox vaccine may offer protection against the
disease.
Influenza A, H5N1 (avian influenza) is a type of influenza that infects
birds and may be transmitted to humans. Symptoms of avian influenza in
humans range from typical influenza-like symptoms to eye infections,
pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and other severe and
lifethreatening
complications.
Lassa fever is a viral disease, transmitted through contact with
infected
rats. Symptoms include deafness, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
and, in
more severe cases, seizures and hemorrhage. This disease is difficult
to
distinguish from several other diseases. No vaccine is currently
available,
although ribavirin has been used as a preventive measure as well as to
treat the disease.
Appendix II: Information on Nationally
Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Selected
Worldwide Emerging Infectious Diseases
Page 53 GAO-04-877 Disease Surveillance
Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a rare and severe viral disease that
affects both humans and animals. The mode of transmission from animals
to humans is unknown. However, humans who become ill may spread the
virus to other people. The onset of the disease is sudden and includes
fever, chills, and headache. Symptoms progress to include a rash,
nausea,
vomiting, and chest pain as well as jaundice, inflammation of the
pancreas,
shock, massive hemorrhaging, and multi-organ dysfunction. Because many
of the signs and symptoms of Marburg fever are similar to other
infectious
diseases, it may be difficult to diagnose. A specific treatment for
this
disease is unknown.
Nipah virus is an emerging disease causing encephalitis. It is believed
to
be transmitted through contact with infected pigs. Symptoms include
headache, fever, muscle spasms, coma, and brain damage. There is no
treatment beyond alleviation of symptoms.
O’nyong-nyong fever is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes. It causes
symptoms such as joint pain, rash, high fever, and eye pain. Fatalities
are
rare.
Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that primarily affects animals—
including domesticated livestock—but can be transmitted to people by
mosquitoes or contact with the body fluids of infected animals. Rift
Valley
fever usually causes a flu-like illness lasting 4 to 7 days, but can
develop
into a more severe hemorrhagic fever that can result in death. There is
no
established course of treatment for infected patients. The disease has
occurred in many parts of Africa and, in September 2000, was for the
first
time reported outside of Africa, in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Venezuelan equine encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral disease that
can be transmitted to humans from equine hosts. Symptoms in humans
include flu-like symptoms of fever and headache. Severe illness and
death
can occur in the young and the elderly and those with weakened immune
systems. The only treatment available is supportive therapy.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is transmitted
to
humans through infected mosquitoes. Many people infected with the virus
do not become ill or show symptoms. Symptoms that do appear may be
limited to headache, sore throat, backache, or fatigue. There is no
vaccine
for the West Nile virus, and no specific treatment besides supportive
therapies. The disease occurs in Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia, and
the Middle East. This disease appeared for the first time in the United
States in 1999.
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