Question

What are the causes and symptoms of tetanus, poliomyelitis and tuberculosis? How can these diseases be prevented?

Answer 1

TETANUS:

• Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani.
• This bacterium produces a toxin that affects the brain and nervous system, leading to stiffness in the muscles.
• Symptoms include muscle spasms, fever, sweating, headache, trouble swallowing, high blood pressure and a fast heart rate.
• It can be prevented by vaccination with tetanus toxoid. The CDC recommends that adults receive a booster vaccine every ten years.
  

POLIOMYELITIS:

• Poliomyelitis, often called polio, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus.
• The virus attacks the nervous system and causes paralysis.
• Muscle weakness, loss of muscle, headache, nausea, or slow growth, meningitis are prominent symptoms.
• Polio can be prevented by vaccination.
  

TUBERCULOSIS:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  
• Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
  
• The classic symptoms of active TB are a chronic cough with blood containing sputum, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
  
• TB can be prevented by vaccination with BCG vaccine.