COMMUNICABLE DISEASES GREG POWERS RN COWLEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT.

HIV/AIDS What is HIV? Human Immunodeficiency Virus The virus that causes AIDS

HIV/AIDS What is AIDS? Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome The body’s immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off infections and other illnesses.

How soon does HIV become AIDS? Most people develop AIDS 10-12 years after contracting HIV. Some sooner, some longer. Early diagnosis and treatment can prolong the onset of AIDS, and therefore, their life.

How common is it? 40 million people worldwide. Approximately 1 million in the U.S. 40,000 new cases each year in U.S. 25% DON’T KNOW THEY HAVE IT!

How common is it? Killed 25 million people worldwide. Killed 500,000 in the U.S. Fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

How is HIV transmitted? Virus carried in bodily fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids. Transmitted when infected fluids enter bloodstream of another person. Unprotected sexual intercourse. Sharing needles/needle sticks. Through a break in the skin such as a cut or sore. Can live on a needle for over a month

How is HIV NOT transmitted? Coughing or sneezing Bathroom facilities Casual contact such as hugging or kissing Sweat, tears, vomit, feces, and urine contain the virus but transmission from these sources is very rare. Mosquitoes, fleas, other insects

How do I protect myself? Practice Universal Precautions Wear gloves Be extra careful to keep sores on hands covered. WASH YOUR HANDS Disinfect contaminated surfaces Be careful with sharp objects such as razors and needles.

How do I know if an inmate has HIV or AIDS You don’t Some will tell you, some won’t They list Donna Sweet as their doctor They are affiliated with the Ryan White Foundation Their medications, anything that ends in “vir”. Currently 19 meds approved by the FDA

STAPH INFECTION/MRSA

Staphylococcus Aureus Very common bacteria Many people have it on their skin Enters bloodstream through a break in the skin’s protective barrier. Tends to be pus producing

Common minor staph infections Folliculitis: infected hairs, small white pus filled bumps Boils: infection deeper in the hair follicle, often red inflammations Abscesses: infection characterized by pus and swelling in the skin.

People who are otherwise healthy typically do not usually become severely ill from staph infections. Persons with weakened immune systems are more at risk, these include: diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, skin conditions, injected drug users.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Staph infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics

How is MRSA spread? Since the bacteria lives on the skin the most common way to spread from person to person is through direct contact.

How do I keep from getting Staph? WASH YOUR HANDS Keep wounds covered Avoid sharing personal items that may have come in contact with a contaminated wound or bandage. Can live on surfaces up to 7 days so routine cleaning with disinfectant will help.

TUBERCULOSIS

What is TB? Caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Usually attacks the lungs Can be fatal if not treated Was once the leading cause of death in the United States

How is TB spread? Spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, persons nearby may breathe in the bacteria

People with latent TB infection Have no symptoms Don’t feel sick Can’t spread TB to others Usually have a positive skin test Can develop Active TB later in life or the bacteria can remain dormant their entire life. Should be treated

Symptoms of active TB Bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer Pain in the chest Weakness or fatigue Weight loss Fever/chills Night sweats Coughing up blood

Prevention If a person is known or suspected of having active TB, they should wear a mask when around others. Persons with latent TB pose no threat.

Treatment Medications are available at no cost to treat TB Must be taken for 9 months for treatment to be complete Health Department tracks all known cases of TB

HEPATITIS

What is Hepatitis? Inflammation of the liver 3 primary types: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C

Hepatitis A Transmitted through infected feces Contracted by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces. Rarely leads to permanent liver damage Body cures itself in a few weeks Person is usually immune to further attacks of Hep A

Hepatitis B Transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids Most common is unprotected sex Another common way is using dirty needles Can lead to permanent liver damage There is no cure, medications may help

Hepatitis C Transmitted through blood and body fluids Most common is sharing dirty needles Can also be transmitted through sex Most serious, causes liver damage. No cure, medications may help

Hepatitis symptoms Yellowing of the eyes and skin Fever Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite Upper right abdominal pain Light colored bowel movements Dark colored urine Symptoms may show up 2 weeks to 6 months after infection

Diagnosis and Treatment Blood test Hepatitis A: Rest, supportive treatment Hepatitis B and C can be treated with medications to limit extend of disease, however there is still no cure

How do I protect myself? Hepatitis B vaccine WASH YOUR HANDS, before eating and after using the bathroom Universal precautions, handle sharps properly Be sure your tattoo and piercing needles are sterilized properly Avoid unprotected sex, sharing drug needles, toothbrushes and razors.

How do I clean up? Hepititis C can live on surfaces up to 4 days 1 part Bleach to 10 parts water Wear gloves WASH YOUR HANDS

SHINGLES Caused by the Varicella-zoster virus Same one that causes Chickenpox After an attack of chickenpox, the virus may lie dormant for years Becomes active again and travels to the skin’s surface. Usually related to age or disease

The Outbreak Starts with a painful area 2 to 5 days later rash develops Usually on one side of the body Most often the rib area Can be on the face Starts with small bumps that become fluid filled blisters Blisters then fill with pus

Recovery The pus filled blisters break open and form crusty scabs, just like chickenpox In 4 or 5 weeks the scabs fall off, the skin heals and the pain subsides. Most people will recover Complications can occur depending on which nerves are involved

What is my risk? The rash can spread the virus People who have had chickenpox cannot “catch” shingles If you have never had chickenpox, you can catch it from someone with shingles

Treatment Most of the time is self-limiting Supportive treatment Anti-virals may help if started within 48 hours of onset

QUESTIONS?