5 Old Diseases Making a Comeback; What you Need to do to Protect Yourself
Old diseases that were known to be controlled are making a comeback and, as health officials make sure outbreaks are prevented, here's what you need to do to protect yourself:
1) Measles
Measles was common among children before the age of 15 and there was a considerable drop in the infection of the virus in the 80s, according to the CDC. Alarming cases have erupted this year, such as the outbreak in Disneyland in California, per NBC Los Angeles. There is no treatment to measles but preventing this is possible through the vaccine, which is 97% effective, the CDC stated.
2) Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever's history is unclear, but one of the first publicized medical literature describing the disease appeared in 1553, per the National Institute of Health. The condition is caused by a Streptococcus bacteria that is similar to strep throat infection. Kids between the ages of 5 and 12 are vulnerable, such as the recent case of preschoolers in Great Britain, according to Times Gazette. Antibiotics help, but experts also suggest washing hands properly and regularly to prevent the spread of the disease.
3) Syphilis
The sexually transmitted disease was common in Europe and the Americas in the 1400s and was also widespread during the war in the 1940s, per the Journal of Military and Veterans Health. Troops in active duty saw an increase in syphilis cases since 2010, per USA Today. However, it can infect anyone who's sexually active. There are effective treatments, but prevention can be done through proper sex education especially among teenagers. The CDC also suggested use of condoms and limiting sexual partners.
4) Tuberculosis (TB)
The American Lung Association stated that TB is not common in the United States, but over 9.2 million are still affected elsewhere. However, cases are becoming more and more rampant because of drug resistance and poor diagnosis, per CNN. Treatment for tuberculosis via isoniazid drug is lengthy to ensure that patients don't suffer a relapse. However, the disease can be prevented by limiting the exposure to those with TB and if medications must be followed as prescribed, according to Everyday Health.
5) Plague
The plague was feared during the Middle Ages, but at least 16 cases were reported in the U.S. in 2014, per NBC News. The disease comes from bacteria in animals with symptoms like fever, headache and swollen lymph glands, according to Mayo Clinic. Antibiotics are effective at treating the condition, but this should be administered right away as the patient can deteriorate fast. Prevention requires avoiding contact with rats, chipmunks, squirrels, fleas and dead critters.