Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Monday Was Health Day

World Health Day was April 7, observed in 190 counties around the globe.

However, the designed presents much more than the recognition of just one day. April 7 actually served as a kick-off date for a continuing forum for information and discussion about health conditions worldwide.

This year's theme is `Emerging Infectious Diseases: Reduce the Risk.' The hope is that simultaneous worldwide discussion of a topic of urgent concern will raise awareness and stimulate global and local action.

According to the American Association for World Health (AAWH), which sponsors World Health Day each year, infectious diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. They account for 17 million deaths each year. In the U.S., infectious diseases are the third leading cause of death. Billions of dollars are lost in America each year in direct medical costs and lost productivity from intestinal infections, sexually-transmitted diseases, influenza and other viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases, even though cost-effective prevention strategies are available.

Health experts say many of the diseases that threaten public health are difficult to fight, because they stem from sources as common as careless food handling, risky sexual activity and lack of hand washing.

While some foreign countries are grappling with the dangers of emerging diseases, such as dengue fever, ebola and cholera, in Arkansas, we are working to control the folowing:

• Hepatitis A -- a highly contagious form of hepatitis, spread mainly through the fecal-oral route. It can be carried on an infected person's hand and spread by consuming contaminated food or drink. In 1996, 507 cases were reported in Arkansas, with one death. Good hygiene, with frequent hand washing, is the primary means of prevention.

• E. coli 0157:H7 -- a newly recognized, life-threatening strain of a very common bacteria linked to undercooked beef and unpasteurized milk. Person-to-person transmission via the fecal-oral route has occurred in child-care settings and nursing homes. Since 1994, 10 to 15 cases have been reported each year in Arkansas. The most important preventive measures are to cook meat thoroughly and for infected persons to use proper hygiene.

• Salmonellosis -- a bacterial infectin that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. The bacteria is most commonly contracted by eating undercooked contaminated eggs and poultry. It can also be transmitted by the fecal-oral route and person-to-person contact. Three deaths and 455 cases were reported from salmonella infection in Arkansas in 1996. Illness can be prevented by thouroughly cooking meat, poultry and egg products, and by carefully washing kitchen surfaces and utensils that have been used to prepare these foods.

• HIV/AIDS -- a severe life-threatening clinical condition. HIV is transmitted sexually, via contact with blood and prenatally. Since 1983, 3,617 cases of HIV infection have been reported in Arkansas. Of the AIDS patients, 51% have died. Treatments are available, but there is no cure. Primary measures to prevent contracting this disease are to avoid unsafe, unprotected sex and illegal drugs.

• Tuberculosis -- a familiar disease with new drug resistant strains. Although the number of cases in Arkansas decreased from 323 in 1990 to 225 in 1996, tuberculosis is gaining a foothold in many urban areas across the nation. It is spread by microscopic drops of saliva sprayed from the mouth of a person with tuberculosis as he or she speaks, coughs or sings. Individuals with the disease can protect others by following their treatment plan.

We all can fight the spread of infectious diseases by following these simple practices:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, rubbing briskly for at least 20 seconds.

• Keep immunizations up to date for children, adults and pets.

• Be careful how food is prepared. Practice strict kitchen hygiene.

• Use antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Stopping the treatment too early allows strong microorganisms to develop drug-resistance. Do not insist on unnecessary antibiotics.