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

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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!

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. STAPH INFECTION/MRSA

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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.

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. TUBERCULOSIS

19. 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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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.

24. 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

25. HEPATITIS

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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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.

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

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

39. QUESTIONS?