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Sars, Richard N. Bradley

Richard N Bradley

Description: Viral infection of the human respiratory tract.

Causes: Infection by SARS-associated coronavirus.

Risk Factors: Direct, close contact with someone who is infected.

Symptoms: Fever over 38° C, headache, body aches, dry cough, an overall feeling of discomfort, and pneumonia.

Diagnosis: Laboratory tests of blood, nasal secretions or faeces.

Treatments: Experimental use of antiviral treatments. No approved treatments are available yet.

Pathogenesis: Humans lack immunity to SARS-CoV and severe symptoms develop quickly.

Prevention: Good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing and covering one’s mouth with a tissue when sneezing.

Epidemiology: Slightly over 8,000 cases occurred worldwide between November 2002 …

Smallpox, Richard N. Bradley

Richard N Bradley

Description Viral infection of the human respiratory tract. Causes Infection by variola virus. Risk Factors Exposure to a biological warfare or bioterror attack or contact with an infected person. Symptoms

Fever, cough and body aches, followed by a spotted, bumpy rash.

Diagnosis

Confirmed by testing blood or the fluid from the blisters.

Treatments

None currently approved but experts are testing some medications.

Pathogenesis

The virus enters and multiplies in the respiratory passages.

Prevention

Avoid those with the disease. During an outbreak a vaccine is available that will prevent the disease or lessen its severity.

Epidemiology

Completely eradicated from nature, but …