Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS Symptoms

Persistent fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Recurring fever or night sweats
Swollen lymph nodes
Frequent infections (fungal infections, pneumonia, etc.)
Chronic diarrhea
Skin rashes or mouth sores

HIV/AIDS Treatment

Treatment is based on the daily intake of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), which:

Reduce the viral load to an undetectable level
Strengthen the immune system
Preserve quality of life
Prevent transmission of the virus to others

Regular medical follow-up is essential to adjust treatments and monitor side effects.

📌 Summary

Definition: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) gradually attacks the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of the infection, marked by severe opportunistic illnesses.
Affected population: Any sexually active person may be affected. The most impacted populations include young people, women, individuals living in poverty, and men who have sex with men, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Common causes: Unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, mother-to-child transmission (during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), contaminated blood transfusions, and lack of early testing or treatment.

HIV/AIDS Prevention

Use a condom during sexual intercourse
Get regular testing, especially before a new relationship
Avoid sharing needles or sharp objects
Use PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for people at risk
HIV-positive pregnant women: treatment to prevent transmission to the baby

Malaria

🦟 Malaria Symptoms

High fever, often cyclical
Chills and heavy sweating
Severe fatigue
Headaches
Muscle pain
Vomiting and diarrhea
In severe cases: confusion, seizures, coma

💊 Malaria Treatment

Antimalarial medications (artemisinin, chloroquine, etc.)
Hospitalization in cases of severe malaria
Hydration and management of associated symptoms
Regular monitoring of clinical progression
Immediate initiation of treatment upon diagnosis confirmation

📌 Summary

Definition: Malaria is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
Affected population: Mainly children under the age of 5, pregnant women, and non-immune travelers in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Common causes: Bites from infected mosquitoes, lack of mosquito nets or preventive measures, exposure in high-risk areas without prophylactic treatment, and weak healthcare systems.

🛡️ Malaria Prevention

Use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets
Application of insect repellents on the skin
Wearing long clothing, especially at night
Environmental sanitation (eliminating standing water)
Chemoprophylaxis for travelers to high-risk areas

Viral hepatitis (B and C)

🧬 Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis B and C

Persistent fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain, especially on the liver side
Dark urine
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Joint pain (more common in hepatitis B)
Often asymptomatic at the beginning, especially hepatitis C

💊 Treatment of Viral Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B: Antivirals (entecavir, tenofovir) to slow disease progression
Hepatitis C: Direct-acting antivirals (sofosbuvir, velpatasvir)
Regular monitoring of liver enzymes and viral load
Liver surveillance to prevent cirrhosis and cancer
Vaccine available only for hepatitis B

📌 Summary

Definition: Hepatitis B and C are viral liver infections that can become chronic, leading to prolonged inflammation, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. They are mainly transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.
Affected population: Individuals exposed to unsafe medical procedures, unprotected sexual intercourse, or sharing of injection equipment. In Africa, perinatal transmission (from mother to child) is also common.
Common causes: Contact with contaminated blood, unsafe blood transfusions, sharing needles, sexual transmission (especially for hepatitis B), mother-to-child transmission at birth, tattoos or piercings with non-sterile equipment.

🛡️ Prevention of Viral Hepatitis B and C

Vaccination against hepatitis B (no vaccine for C)
Use of sterile medical equipment (needles, syringes)
Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes
Use condoms during sexual intercourse
Regular screening for people at risk
Wear gloves when handling blood or biological fluids

Alcoholic hepatitis

🍺 Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis

Extreme fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Pain or discomfort in the liver area (right side)
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Mild fever
Unintentional weight loss
Abdominal swelling (ascites) in severe cases

💊 Treatment of Alcoholic Hepatitis

Complete and immediate cessation of alcohol consumption
Nutritional support and correction of deficiencies (vitamins, proteins)
Corticosteroids for severe cases
Treatment of complications (cirrhosis, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy)
Regular medical monitoring with liver function tests
Consider liver transplantation in irreversible cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Alcoholic hepatitis is an acute inflammation of the liver caused by excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption. It can progress to cirrhosis or severe liver failure.
Affected population: Adults (often between 30 and 60 years old) with chronic alcohol consumption. More common in men, but women are also vulnerable.
Common causes: Regular and excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, co-infection with liver viruses (such as hepatitis B or C), genetic factors or family history of liver diseases.

🛡️ Prevention of Alcoholic Hepatitis

Limit or avoid alcohol consumption
Awareness about the toxic effects of alcohol on the liver
Medical monitoring for individuals who regularly consume alcohol
Access to psychological support or detox programs
Maintain a healthy and balanced diet

Infectious diarrhea

🔴 Symptoms: Infectious Diarrhea

Frequent loose or watery stools (more than 3 times a day)
Abdominal pain or cramps
Mild to moderate fever
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and loss of appetite
Possible blood or mucus in the stool
Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, weakness, low urine output

💊 Treatment: Infectious Diarrhea

Oral rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS)
Regular intake of clean or boiled water
Light, adapted diet (rice, bananas, porridges…)
Antibiotics if a bacterial cause is confirmed
Probiotics to restore gut flora
Hospitalization in case of severe dehydration

📌 Summary

Definition: Infectious diarrhea is an intestinal infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. It presents with frequent watery stools and can lead to rapid dehydration.
Affected population: Mainly children under five, the elderly, and people living in areas lacking access to clean water or proper sanitation.
Common causes: Contaminated food or water, poor hygiene, contact with infected fecal matter.

🛡️ Prevention: Infectious Diarrhea

Wash hands regularly with soap and water
Drink only safe or treated water
Cook food thoroughly and avoid raw items
Avoid direct contact with infected individuals
Vaccination against certain infections (rotavirus, cholera)
Use clean and well-maintained toilets

Meningitis

🧠 Meningitis Symptoms

Sudden high fever
Stiff neck
Severe headache
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Drowsiness, confusion, or altered consciousness
Seizures
In infants: bulging fontanelle, high-pitched crying, refusal to feed

💊 Treatment of Meningitis

Antibiotics in case of bacterial meningitis (medical emergency)
Antiviral treatment for viral meningitis
Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to reduce pain and fever
Hospitalization with close monitoring
Treatment of neurological complications if necessary
Rehydration and nutritional support

📌 Summary

Definition: Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or, more rarely, fungi. Bacterial forms are the most serious and require urgent medical care.
Affected population: Infants, children, adolescents, and young adults are most at risk. The disease is common in the "meningitis belt" of sub-Saharan Africa, especially during the dry season.
Common causes: Bacterial infections (meningococcus, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae), viral infections, weakened immune system, overcrowding, lack of vaccination.

🛡️ Prevention of Meningitis

Vaccination (against meningococcus, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type B)
Strict hand hygiene
Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Wearing a mask during outbreaks
Preventive treatment for close contacts (antibiotic prophylaxis)

Septicemia

🦠 Symptoms of Sepsis

High fever or abnormally low body temperature
Chills and sweating
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Rapid breathing
Confusion or altered consciousness
Low blood pressure
Clammy, pale, or mottled skin
Severe pain or general discomfort
Little or no urination (sign of kidney failure)

💊 Treatment of Sepsis

Rapid administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics
Immediate hospitalization, often in intensive care
IV fluids to maintain blood pressure and hydration
Respiratory or renal support if organ failure occurs
Control of the infection source (abscess, infected catheter, etc.)
Continuous monitoring of vital signs and organ function

📌 Summary

Definition: Sepsis is an extreme immune response to an infection, causing widespread inflammation throughout the body. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death.
Affected population: Infants, elderly people, immunocompromised patients, or those with chronic diseases. It can also affect anyone with an untreated infection.
Common causes: Severe bacterial infections (urinary, pulmonary, skin, digestive), hospital-acquired infections, infected wounds, surgical procedures lacking proper hygiene.

🛡️ Prevention of Sepsis

Prompt treatment of any infection (urinary, respiratory, skin, etc.)
Follow proper wound care and medical hygiene practices
Vaccination against certain bacterial infections (pneumococcus, meningococcus)
Strict sterilization of medical equipment
Avoid self-medication and consult promptly in case of persistent fever

Influenza (flu)

🤒 Symptoms of Influenza (Flu)

Sudden high fever
Chills and sweating
Severe fatigue (asthenia)
Persistent dry cough
Muscle and joint pain
Severe headaches
Sore throat
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Loss of appetite

💊 Treatment of Influenza (Flu)

Bed rest and plenty of fluids
Antipyretics (paracetamol) for fever and pain
Antivirals (such as oseltamivir) if given early
Balanced diet to support the immune system
Avoid antibiotics unless there is a bacterial superinfection
Monitor for complications in high-risk individuals (elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised)

📌 Summary

Definition: Influenza (the flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It typically presents with sudden fever, body aches, dry cough, severe fatigue, and may lead to respiratory complications in vulnerable individuals.
Affected population: Everyone can get the flu, but infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of severe forms.
Common causes: Transmission through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, close contact), low seasonal immunity, lack of annual vaccination, and crowding (schools, public transport, public places).

🛡️ Prevention of Influenza (Flu)

Annual flu vaccination
Regular hand hygiene
Avoid close contact with sick individuals
Wearing a mask during outbreaks
Ventilating enclosed spaces
Strengthening immunity through a healthy diet

Dengue

🦟 Symptoms of Dengue

Sudden high fever
Severe fatigue
Intense muscle and joint pain (known as "breakbone fever")
Severe headaches, especially behind the eyes
Nausea and vomiting
Skin rash appearing a few days after the onset of fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Mild bleeding (gums, nose)

💊 Treatment for Dengue

Complete rest and intensive hydration
Use of paracetamol for fever and pain (avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs)
Medical monitoring in case of warning signs (severe dengue)
Hospitalization if there is low blood pressure, bleeding, or signs of severe dehydration
Blood transfusions if necessary in cases of severe hemorrhage

📌 Summary

Definition: Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It causes high fever, muscle and joint pain, and can develop into severe (or hemorrhagic) dengue, which can be life-threatening.
Affected population: Mainly people living in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable to severe forms.
Common causes: Bites from infected mosquitoes, high urban density, stagnant water that allows mosquito breeding, lack of preventive measures (mosquito nets, repellents).

🛡️ Prevention of Dengue

Elimination of mosquito breeding sites (standing water)
Use of mosquito nets, protective clothing, and repellents
Installing screens on windows and doors
Community mosquito control campaigns
Vaccination in some countries (Dengvaxia, under specific conditions)

Diarrheal diseases

💩 Symptoms of Diarrheal Diseases

Frequent passage of loose or watery stools
Abdominal pain or cramps
Fever (sometimes)
Nausea or vomiting
General weakness
Dehydration (intense thirst, dry mouth, infrequent urination)
Presence of blood or mucus in the stool (in some cases)

💊 Treatment of Diarrheal Diseases

Oral rehydration with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
Frequent intake of boiled or treated water
Maintaining a light and appropriate diet
Probiotics in some cases to restore gut flora
Antibiotics only if the cause is confirmed to be bacterial
Hospitalization in case of severe dehydration, especially in children or the elderly

📌 Summary

Definition: Diarrheal diseases refer to intestinal infections that result in frequent loose stools. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, and lead to potentially severe dehydration, especially in children.
Affected population: Mainly children under five years old in developing countries, as well as the elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Areas without access to clean water and sanitation are most affected.
Common causes: Contaminated water, spoiled food, poor hygiene conditions, lack of handwashing, inadequate sanitation, and person-to-person transmission.

🛡️ Prevention of Diarrheal Diseases

Regular hand hygiene, especially before meals and after using the toilet
Drinking safe water (boiled, filtered, or treated)
Proper food storage
Avoiding raw or undercooked foods
Rotavirus vaccination for children
Improved sanitation (toilets, wastewater disposal)

Cholera

💧 Symptoms of Cholera

Sudden, profuse watery diarrhea ("rice-water stools")
Frequent vomiting
Intense thirst
Muscle cramps
Extreme fatigue
Severe dehydration (sunken eyes, dry skin, decreased urination)
Shock or coma if not treated promptly

💊 Treatment of Cholera

Immediate rehydration with oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
Intravenous fluids in cases of severe dehydration
Antibiotics in severe cases to reduce the duration of illness
Zinc supplementation (especially in children)
Continuous monitoring of vital signs and hydration status

💧 Symptômes du Choléra

Diarrhée aqueuse soudaine et abondante (« selles en eau de riz »)
Vomissements fréquents
Soif intense
Crampes musculaires
Fatigue extrême
Déshydratation sévère (yeux enfoncés, peau sèche, diminution des urines)
Choc ou coma en l'absence de traitement rapide

🛡️ Cholera Prevention

Access to safe drinking water (boiled, filtered, or treated)
Use of latrines and proper management of human waste
Frequent hand washing with soap
Consumption of well-cooked and properly stored food
Avoid raw foods (fish, seafood) in risk areas
Oral vaccination in endemic zones or during outbreaks