Archive for category: Disease

Information and news about disease category

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Taking a Look at Common Diseases in Angola

Common Diseases in AngolaThe central African nation of Angola recently saw a significant uptick in life expectancy, largely due to health and sanitation advances. However, several communicable maladies still affect the population today. What’s more, it may come as a surprise that many common diseases in Angola are preventable.

Beginning with the general health numbers, the life expectancy in Angola hovers around 56 years. This ranks it as number 208 among a list of 224 nations. Although on the rise, this ranking among the global community illustrates some major health issues present in the nation.

Poor quality of drinking water, a common source of fatal illnesses in countries with low life expectancies, is a main contributor to this nation’s life expectancy problem. The CIA World Factbook states that just under 50 percent of the drinking water has improved. This excludes a majority of the population, especially those living in rural areas.

This lack of clean water, along with a plethora of other factors, affects the children of Angola as well. Angola has an infant mortality rate of 7.6 percent, placing them at the eighth-highest in the world. Premature death, in general, is also high in this African nation.

According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, six out of the top 10 causes of death in Angola are communicable diseases (contractible diseases, which are therefore preventable). This is amplified in cases of premature death, where eight out of 10 are communicable, with congenital defects and road injuries as the outliers.

What is most surprising, however, is not how these illnesses are contracted, but the diseases themselves. This is the case for the third-highest of the common diseases in Angola which cause death: diarrheal illnesses.

“Diarrheal disease is highly preventable, yet accounts for nine percent of all deaths among children under age five worldwide,” reads a peer-reviewed research article by Liliana Carvajal-Vélez et al.

In this article, the researchers go on to explain how preventable these types of diseases are. They also reiterate a joint statement by the World Health Organization and UNICEF on how to better stave off diarrheal diseases. The statement highlights Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), zinc supplements and increased amounts of clean water and nutritional foods as keys to combating the illnesses. There is evidence to support that ORS alone can reduce diarrheal disease-related deaths by up to 93 percent.

However, this does not solve the entirety of the problem.

Another issue that instigates diarrheal diseases in countries such as Angola is the withholding of fluids from children affected by a diarrheal illness. An analysis in six African nations found an association between caregivers withholding vital fluid intake and seeking care outside of the home. This was particularly the case with people seeking “non-government health providers” (or non-professionals).

Studies suggest that training public physicians on how to treat children needing ORS and zinc while also instructing caregivers to give more sanitized fluids, not less, are effective in improving children’s health. By using methods like these, several of the common diseases in Angola could become much less common.

– Stephen Praytor

Photo: Google

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Common Diseases in Belize

Diseases in BelizeBelize is a well-known destination for luxurious vacation getaways. While tourism has brought some wealth to the region, GDP growth has slowed over the past few years. Additionally, the impact of Hurricane Earl in August of 2016 has put stress on the country’s economy.

While the sunshine and snorkeling may seem alluring, there are a few health risks that the residents of this tropical region in Central America face.

Here are a few of the common diseases in Belize that affect its residents.

Hepatitis A and B

One common disease in the area is Hepatitis A. This disease can be contracted through food or water consumption. Additionally, this virus has a high chance of circulation in poor sanitary conditions.

The annual mortality rate per 100,000 people for Hepatitis A is approximately 0.1, according to a report by Health Grove. The report also stated that since 1990, this mortality rate has decreased by 68.6 percent.

Hepatitis B is also prevalent in Belize and can be transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated needles and blood products. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines are highly recommended if you are anticipating the need for surgery. Hepatitis B has approximately the same mortality rate at Hepatitis A in Belize.

Since 1990, the Hepatitis B’s mortality rate has decreased by 69.2 percent, according to the Health Grove report.

Malaria

Belize is considered to be a low-risk country for malaria, though antimalarial medication is recommended for those more susceptible to contracting the disease, like women who are pregnant.

Belize is currently in the pre-elimination phase in order to control malaria in the region, according to a report from the Health Sector Strategic Plan. Between 2007, where there were 845 cases of malaria, and 2012, with only 37 cases, cases of malaria decreased by 95 percent in Belize. Other regions in Latin America have experienced a reduction in the number of cases of malaria over similar time spans.

The report also stated that even with limited resources and low per capita health expenditure, Belize has been able to make smart investments that have led to improvements in health services and the reduction of diseases like Malaria.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is another one of the most common diseases in Belize. While the number of reported incidents of tuberculosis have remained consistent since 2010, mortality rates from tuberculosis have more than doubled since 1990. According to a report from the Health Sector Strategic Plan, this might be a reason for concern due to the productivity of the Directly Observed Treatment Scheme.

A report from the Commonwealth Health Online found that communicable diseases in Belize, meaning diseases that can be passed along through human interaction, made up 20 percent of the deaths that occurred in 2008, in addition to maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions.

Tuberculosis and other communicable diseases have seen a decline in recent years. According to a report from the World Health Organization, the success rate for new and relapse cases of tuberculosis registered in 2014 was 35 percent.  While this rate saw a decline in recent years, its prevalence has gradually started to increase.

According to a report from the World Bank, between the fiscal years of 2012 and 2015, the International Finance Corporation expanded its role as an advisory to Belize and as an investor. As the report stands, this will help Belize with things like health services.

Leah Potter

Photo: Flickr

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Common Diseases in Greece

Common Diseases in GreeceGreece is a small nation in the south of Europe, full of history and culture. A large portion of the tradition in Greece resides in the food they make for their family and friends and spending time together. While these activities are common to the Mediterranean country, many of these people’s habits are also what cause their most common illnesses. Here are the top five common diseases in Greece:

1. Cardiovascular Disease

The number one cause of death in Greece in 2014, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect millions of people annually, worldwide. CVDs are common killers in low- and middle-income countries, such as Greece. These diseases come in many forms. Some examples include eart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems. The causes of CVDs vary, but they often connect to lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercise, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol.

2. Cancer

While cancer comes in many forms and affects Grecians differently, the most prevalent among them is lung cancer. Lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women around the world, often being found once it is in a very developed stage. In recent years, doctors have begun to develop early screenings for people who they believe are at a high risk of developing the cancer. Lung cancer is one of the more preventable cancers, often caused by large amounts of exposure to smoke.

3. Alzheimer’s and other Dementias

In 2013, 1.77 percent of the Greek population suffered from dementia. Additionally, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a disease that affects memory loss and other cognitive abilities, which make everyday living difficult. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but it can reveal itself as people start to reach 65 years of age or older. While there is currently no cure for the disease, there are medicines and treatments that help with symptoms.

4. Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Another one of the common diseases in Greece, chronic respiratory diseases affect thousands of people every year. The disease can come in many forms, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and occupational lung diseases. These diseases are often due to behavioral or environmental forces such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, occupational chemicals and dust.

5. Diabetes

Approximately 7.5 percent of Greece’s population suffers from diabetes. The disease can come in two forms, type one and type two. Type 1 diabetes is normally diagnosed in childhood, whereas type 2 is diagnosed later on in adulthood. Type two diabetes is the most common form of diabetes found in those afflicted and is often the result of behavioral choices, such as eating habits.

These common diseases in Greece are just some of the many illnesses that the population deals with. While many of these afflictions often lead to fatality, they are often preventable by living a healthy and active lifestyle.

– Olivia Hayes

Photo: Flickr

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Healthcare Addresses Some Common Diseases in Denmark

Common Diseases in Denmark
Denmark is one of the smaller countries in Europe and has a very good healthcare system. Some of the common diseases in Denmark are also some of the deadliest. However, with the system and care in place, there has been a decline in many of the major diseases that strike the country.

Denmark possesses one of the better healthcare systems in the world, ranked 34 out of 191 countries, according to the World Health Organization. Denmark provides universal healthcare access to all citizens in the country. The government and those within the system promote the availability and it is financed by a national health tax that is set at 8%.

The life expectancy in Denmark is about 85 years for females and about 80 years for males. Both of these numbers have risen over the last few years and slowly improved that has seen a rise along with Denmark’s health system. Both ranks in the higher end of the worldwide life expectancy rankings, yet this is still behind some of the other European nations. The rise is still a testament to the fantastic health services that are available to the people of Denmark.

The majority of common diseases in Denmark are noncommunicable and are mostly heart diseases and different types of cancers. The only major communicable disease in Denmark is a lower respiratory infection.

The various types of cancer are one of the common diseases around the world and also one of the most common diseases in Denmark. Denmark was named the cancer capital of the world. There are lifestyle factors that affect the numbers and inflate the number of cases each year and the country still has one of the highest cancer rates around the world. The high rates can be tied to smoking and other lifestyle habits that are not healthy and can contribute to the onset of the disease. There are scientists that estimate nearly one-third of most of the cancers can be prevented by eliminating these risks.

Heart disease is the leading disease in Denmark. However, in recent years there was a significant fall in its occurrence. In 2014, there was a 70% decline in Danes who died from heart disease. There is not another state in the EU that recorded that big a drop off in mortality rates for cardiovascular disease.

The most common diseases in Denmark include some of the most common around the world. It is a great healthcare system that helps the Danes through the diseases and on to a healthier life.

– Brendin Axtman

Photo: Flickr

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Water Quality in Timor-Leste

Water Quality in Timor-Leste
One of the themes common to countries struggling with poverty is the ability of the population to have access to clean water and sanitation. The people of Timor-Leste are no different from the millions of others around the world who battle with this problem daily. Water quality in Timor-Leste is concerning, compounding many of the issues the country faces.

In Timor-Leste, the majority of freshwater comes from two sources, groundwater and surface water. Often abundant in areas, groundwater is largely underutilized in the country, whether down to a lack of finance, technology or other insurmountable problems. Surface water, on the other hand, is far easier to acquire, yet it also has a number of problems attached to it.

The issues associated with groundwater can be attributed to several factors. A lack of funding for the initial development of water supply presents a large obstacle. The unavailability of spare parts for maintenance is another issue, particularly in rural areas. A third problem is the lack of technical knowledge within the country to successfully implement such plans.

Those who gather water from the surface are often faced with a different set of problems. A recent WHO study into water quality in Timor-Leste showed that as much as 70% of water sources were contaminated with microbiological entities, often holding potential for spreading diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Contaminations such as this are partly the result of a lack of effective sewage systems, with much of the country’s waste being disposed of in rivers and fields.

The lack of access to clean water has created additional strain on the limited healthcare system in Timor-Leste. Respiratory illness is widespread, as are malaria and dengue fever, with water quality often cited as the problem. For young children, diarrhoeal diseases, the largest killer of those under five, are similarly common, often causing complications that can have long-term negative effects on the younger population.

Despite these problems, however, progress has been made with several organizations targeting the water problem in Timor-Leste as part of their global strategies. Water Aid has trained many Timorese in servicing water points, enabling expertise, which allows the people to become self-sufficient. Its efforts in recent years have enabled 2,672 people to access clean water.

In addition, the World Health Organisation has provided support for studies, in collaboration with other NGOs, governments and Timorese societies. They have also supported the training of the populous in water safety processes. Through the assistance of UNICEF and the European Union, more than 37,000 people across multiple districts were given access to clean water through the installation of new water supply systems. Training into the managing and maintenance of these systems was also provided, enabling autonomy for the people of these districts.

The problems facing Timor-Leste are no doubt difficult to overcome. A government target for 2020 will cost an estimated $40 million each year to attain. In spite of this cost, however, steps do appear to be being made to ensure water quality in Timor-Leste in future years.

– Gavin Callander

Photo: Google

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How Flooding Leads to the Most Common Diseases in Sri Lanka

Common Diseases in Sri Lanka
As a country that endures two monsoon seasons and is surrounded by several bodies of water, Sri Lanka is particularly vulnerable to floods. The country’s floods do not just damage physical property, but also pose a threat to Sri Lankans’ health. Most of the common diseases in Sri Lanka are so due to the danger the floods pose.

The floods that affect Sri Lanka leave the nation’s people with damaged homes and an excess of unsanitary water. With the contaminated floodwater lingering around, more mosquitoes are likely to come, thus increasing the risk of dengue fever. Due to severe flooding that occurred this past May, affecting more than 600,000 people, many are now concerned that dengue cases will increase.

Based on statistics, they have a valid reason to worry. In the past seven months alone, there were already 80,732 dengue fever cases reported in the nation. This number tremendously exceeds the number of cases the country had seen from 2000-2016. While there are four different types of dengue fever, DENV-2 is the one that is mostly spreading throughout the nation right now.

Besides dengue fever, there are other common diseases in Sri Lanka that pose an increased threat due to flooding. One of these diseases is cholera. With 172,454 reported cases in 2015, cholera remains an issue in today’s world. The abundance of contaminated floodwater increases the risk of Sri Lankans contracting cholera.

In response to the recent flooding crisis, Australia is giving the World Health Organization money to establish programs that focus on dengue fever in Sri Lanka. The World Health Organization is also working with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health to assist with any medical issues related to the flood. The World Health Organization is supplying the nation with more beds in an effort to provide more people with medical assistance.

Although the people of Sri Lanka struggle from the aftermath of monsoons, they, fortunately, receive help from others.

– Raven Rentas

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting the Most Common Diseases in Cambodia

Common Diseases in Cambodia
Since Cambodia is a developing country in Asia, it is prone to the spread of diseases. It is not uncommon for drinking water to be home to bacteria and other parasites. People, of course, rely on water for everything, making Cambodia’s contaminated water sources a major issue. Here are some of the most common diseases in Cambodia:

  1. Malaria
    Cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are free of the risk of malaria, but the rest of Cambodia is exposed to it. Female Anopheles mosquitos spread the disease in Cambodia at night through their bites. When a person is bitten, “parasites multiply in the liver attacking red blood cells resulting in cycles of fever, chills, and sweats accompanied by anemia.”Malaria can be contracted year-round, especially in the western part of the country, making it one of the most common diseases in Cambodia. Those who contract malaria must be put on an antimalarial drug so that it does not attack major organs and cut off blood flow to the brain.
  2. HIV/AIDS
    AIDS in Cambodia is the most common cause of death for children and female sex workers. For female prostitutes, it is extremely difficult to get the drugs needed to treat HIV because their line of work is illegal. An article in the New York Times states that “sex workers are about 12 times as likely to be infected with HIV as other women in their communities.” Many of these women are mothers and pass the disease onto their children.HIV has become such a major issue in Cambodia because there are not enough drugs accessible to mothers to prevent spreading it to their children. With less discrimination and easier access to needed medications, HIV/AIDS could be lessened.
  3. Dengue Fever
    Dengue fever is a disease that is mainly contracted from mosquitos during the rainy season in Cambodia. The infected mosquitos live wherever there is garbage or standing water which can be found in both rural and urban parts of Cambodia. It takes almost a week for the symptoms of dengue to appear, but when they do, many mistake them for the flu. This is usually followed by vomiting, pain in the abdomen and a high fever if it progresses into dengue hemorrhagic fever. Dengue is a disease in Cambodia that can be fatal but can also lead to immunity from infections.
  4. Tuberculosis
    The risk of contracting tuberculosis in Cambodia is high. It is an airborne infection that attacks the lungs and “the lymphatic system, central nervous system, urogenital area, joints, and bones.” People in Cambodia can contract tuberculosis by being around an infected person or drinking unpasteurized milk. Symptoms include chest pain, fever, lack of appetite and being extremely weak. While tuberculosis is typically treated with antibiotics, there is a growing concern that some people have developed a form of the infection that cannot be treated.

By taking more precautions and providing the tools needed to prevent these common diseases in Cambodia, the country could be looking at a healthier population.

– Mackenzie Fielder

Photo: Flickr

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The Three Most Common Diseases in Iceland

Common Diseases in Iceland
Iceland is a country with a small population of about 338,000, making the nation ideal for medical research. Due to a long period of isolation, natives are genetically similar. This means that identifying common diseases in Iceland is simple.

Below are the three most common diseases in Iceland according to the most current global health statistics.

  1. The number one cause of death in Iceland is Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). CHD is “caused by damage or inflammation of the blood vessels that supply the heart.” The result is a narrowing of the blood vessels that slows or prevents blood from reaching the heart. Per 100,000 people in Iceland, about 139 people die annually from CHD. It also contributes to “1,696 annual years of healthy life lost per 100,000 people.”CHD persists in Iceland due to a poor diet that contributes to 87% of the total deaths caused by the disease. Since 1990, the average years of healthy life lost due to CHD has dropped by 42%. This is most likely due to continued research on CHD and the promotion of a healthier diet.
  2. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the number two cause of death in Iceland. AD is the most common form of dementia, which is the loss of memory and other important cognitive functions. AD is mainly caused by genetic predisposition, though many think of it as a normal part of aging. The disease worsens over time so that memory loss increases gradually over many years. The number of people with AD globally is increasing as more people live past the age of 65. In Iceland, AD-caused fatalities increased by 16.9% between 2005 and 2015. Iceland is more susceptible to AD because of its small population and limited genetic diversity. This population also makes it ideal for genetic study towards curing diseases like this. A genetics firm named deCODE based in Iceland has already sequenced the genomes of 2,636 inhabitants working towards this goal. Utilizing their genetic research, scientists have identified two genes, TM2D3 and ABCA7, that are risk factors for AD. Moving forward this information could be utilized to help end AD worldwide.
  3. After cerebrovascular disease, a cardiovascular disease, lung cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in Iceland. Not just one of the common diseases in Iceland, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. A majority of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking tobacco products. In Iceland, tobacco smoke is the second-ranking risk factor that “drives the most death and disability.”Iceland joined the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on Feb. 27, 2005, in an attempt to combat this. Since then, Iceland has established smoke-free public places, banned most tobacco advertising and required warnings on tobacco products.

The three most common diseases in Iceland are also common to most developed nations, including the United States. Placing more attention on global health will be important in preventing and curing these diseases through collaboration and collective research.

– Haley Hurtt

Photo: Google

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Three Common Diseases in Romania

Diseases in Romania
Romania is a Balkan country bordering the Black Sea. Romania was under communist rule from World War II until 1989. The healthcare system in Romania faces corruption and a lack of medical professionals. Three of the most common diseases in Romania are measles, HIV/AIDS and cirrhosis.

  1. MeaslesThere is a current outbreak of measles in Romania. So far the virus has upward of 3,400 new cases. Symptoms of measles are a high fever, cough, runny nose and a red rash. The fever will break and the rash subsides after a few days. Measles is highly contagious; if one person has it, 90% of people who are close to that initial person but not immune will become infected. The virus is spread through coughing and sneezing. The virus spread through Romania because there is a suboptimal vaccination rate. Doctors hope that a community will have a vaccination rate of 95% to create immunity. Unfortunately, the measles vaccination rate in Romania has decreased in recent years to 86% in 2015. The Romanian government is working swiftly to decrease this risk. The government lowered the vaccination age from 12 months to nine months and distributed leaflets in doctor’s offices about the importance of vaccination and early symptoms. In addition, the government is attempting to pass a law mandating the vaccination of children before they enter school.
  2. HIV/AIDSMany people in Romania are infected with HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, 21,263 Romanians have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Heterosexual unprotected sex was the main method of HIV transmission in new cases in 2015 (59% of new cases). The number of new cases of HIV/AIDS decreased slightly in 2015 compared to previous years. Romania has one of the highest rates of AIDS among children in Europe; around 10,000 children have been diagnosed in Romania since 1985. During the last years of the communist era in Romania, there were unsafe blood transfusion and inoculation procedures for young children. It is believed that this led to the infection of many children in Romania.

    The Romanian government has made many strides in policy to decrease the prevalence of AIDS in the country. The National Strategy for Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction hopes to decrease the incidence of the disease among vulnerable groups. In addition, the government has directed funding for increased HIV testing among the general population and pregnant women.

  3. CirrhosisCirrhosis is another one of the most common diseases in Romania and was the number three cause of premature death in 2010. In 2013, 40.8 per 100,000 people died from cirrhosis in Romania. Most deadly cases of cirrhosis in Romania are due to Hepatitis C and alcohol use. Cirrhosis is the buildup of scar tissue on the liver that occurs when the liver is damaged. Cirrhosis can be treated by treating the underlying cause of the disease; one could reduce alcohol intake or take medications to control damage to the liver caused by hepatitis. To combat the prevalence of cirrhosis, Romania is trying to remove its causes by creating awareness and prevention for hepatitis C. In 2013 two new governmental organizations were formed in Romania to reduce harms associated with drug use. The government now funds needle exchange programs and HIV and hepatitis C testing.

For each of these diseases in Romania the government seems to acknowledge the threat they place on society and is taking swift action to reduce their impact. Most of the government programs are education-based, but some legislative action has been passed or is in the process of passing. Romania should continue to alert people to the risk factors of common diseases and provide instruments to slow their spread.

– Sarah Denning

Photo: Flickr

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Common Diseases in Afghanistan Compounded By War

Diseases in Afghanistan
Afghanistan, or the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in South-Central Asia. With a total population of 32,527,000, Afghanistan is the 42nd most populous country in the world. Due to constant conflict, disease and other factors, the probability of dying between the ages of 15 and 60 years is 284 for every 1,000 people. Decades of war and neglect from international investors, the already struggling healthcare system has been left in tatters, allowing for the increase of both noncommunicable and communicable diseases in Afghanistan.

Noncommunicable diseases
One of the most common causes of death due to diseases in Afghanistan is noncommunicable diseases. Coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory disease and stroke are some of the most common diseases in the country. Afghanistan is currently ranked at number one in the world for rheumatic heart disease deaths.

Hepatitis A and E
Both hepatitis A and hepatitis E are most commonly spread through food and water contaminated with fecal matter. They are both viral diseases that affect the functioning of the liver. Hepatitis A and E occur in areas with poor sanitation and can cause symptoms of fever, jaundice and diarrhea.

Bacteria and protozoal diarrhea
Bacterial agents such as E. coli, Campylobacter, shigella and salmonella are the most common causes of acute bacterial diarrhea. Amoebiasis infection rate has been estimated at three percent in the Afghan population. Giardiasis was discovered in up to 11% of surveyed children.

Cholera
Another major diarrheal disease in Afghanistan is cholera. Cholera is an acute illness that is caused by an infection of the intestine with the bacteria vibrio cholera. The infection is generally mild and without symptoms but can become severe. An estimated 1 in every 10 people infected with cholera will have severe symptoms including watery diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps. The rapid loss of bodily fluids can lead to dehydration and shock, which could prove fatal without treatment.

Influenza and Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection affecting the nose, throat, airways and lungs. Pneumonia has 30 different attributing causes but is generally due to bacteria, mycoplasma, other infectious agents (such as fungi and parasites) and chemicals. A total of 12.81% of deaths are caused by influenza and pneumonia combined, making them some of the most deadly diseases in Afghanistan.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a contagious infection that attacks the lungs specifically but can also affect the brain and spine. It is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is generally spread through the air, similarly to the common cold. The germs grow slowly, making it contagious but not easy to catch. Deaths caused by tuberculosis is currently ranked at number 17 in the world, making it one of the most dangerous diseases in Afghanistan.

These common diseases in Afghanistan represent a significant risk to the country’s citizens. The Afghan government, along with other organizations such as the World Health Organization, have been working hard to spread awareness and promote positive health in the country. There is still much that has to be done in Afghanistan in order to promote the positive health of its citizens and to limit the impact of these diseases.

– Drew Hazzard

Photo: Flickr