Infectious diseases can stalk you anytime and anywhere. Its transmission is very easy to happen, so you have to be more aware of the possibility of being infected. Get to know the various types of infectious diseases that commonly occur in Indonesia, their symptoms and how to prevent them.
Infectious diseases are generally caused by microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. There are two ways how infectious diseases can spread, namely by direct and indirect transmission.
Direct transmission occurs through physical contact with sufferers, for example through touch or body fluids such as urine and blood. Meanwhile, indirect transmission can occur when you touch the face area after touching objects that are prone to contamination, such as door knobs and water taps.
In addition, infectious diseases can also be spread through animal bites or physical contact with animal body fluids and through food and drink contaminated with disease-causing germs.
Common Infectious Diseases in Indonesia
Infectious diseases are generally more at risk of causing infection in people who have weak immune systems. Transmission of this disease can also increase at certain times, for example during the rainy season or floods.
The following are some types of infectious diseases along with their symptoms and signs:
1. Acute respiratory infection (ARI)
Respiratory tract infections can attack the nose, throat, airways, and lungs. ARI disease is usually characterized by the appearance of symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Dry cough or phlegm
- Have a cold
This condition is not only caused by viruses, but also bacteria. ARI caused by viral infection will usually improve within 3–14 days. If it is caused by bacteria, the doctor will give antibiotics to treat it.
Prevention of ARI can be done in several ways, such as eating a balanced nutritious diet, getting used to always washing hands, and administering an influenza vaccine. Also pay attention to coughing and sneezing etiquette and use a mask so that viruses and bacteria do not infect others.
2. COVID-19
This highly contagious disease is caused by the Corona virus. COVID-19 can cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of the common cold, such as fever, dry cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath.
These symptoms generally appear after 2 days to 2 weeks after a person is infected with the virus that causes it. For severe cases, COVID-19 can even cause the sufferer to fail to breathe and even die.
One of the most important preventive measures is vaccination. There are various types of COVID-19 vaccines currently available. The vaccine can not only protect you from exposure to the Corona virus, but also relieve the symptoms you may experience when infected.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is characterized by defecating more than three times a day with liquid stools and accompanied by heartburn. For some conditions, diarrhea may also be accompanied by blood or mucus.
Diarrhea is often taken for granted. In fact, this disease has the potential to cause death, especially in infants. Diarrhea can be transmitted through water, soil, or food that has been contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Just like ARI, diarrhea prevention can be done by washing hands properly and properly, washing food ingredients before they are processed into dishes, and making sure the food consumed is perfectly cooked.
For children, giving rotavirus vaccine can be done to prevent the transmission of this disease.
4. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis or TB is caused by bacteria that attack the lungs. However, the bacteria can also attack other body parts such as bones, joints, the lining of the brain (TB meningitis), lymph nodes (TB glands), and the lining of the heart.
The bacteria that cause this infectious disease are known to be transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Prevention of tuberculosis infection can be prevented by giving the BCG vaccine.
5. Dengue fever
Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by infection with the dengue virus. This virus infects humans through the bite of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Dengue fever is a seasonal disease that is common in tropical countries, including Indonesia. In Indonesia, this infectious disease is more common during the rainy season.
If left untreated, dengue fever can develop into a more severe condition, namely dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Prevention of dengue fever transmission can be done by implementing 3M plus, namely draining water reservoirs, closing water containers, burying used items, using mosquito repellent lotions, using mosquito nets while sleeping, avoiding the habit of hanging clothes, and planting mosquito repellent plants.
6. Worms
Worms are caused by hookworms, tapeworms, and pinworms that infect the intestines. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
Worms can be transmitted through direct and indirect contact. For example, indirectly when you touch an object that contains worm eggs and then touch the eye, nose, and mouth area.
To prevent being infected with this infectious disease, you should avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and don't forget to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before processing or consuming them. Washing hands before and after eating is also important for preventing intestinal worms.
7. Skin disease
Scabies, ringworm, and leprosy are the most common infectious skin diseases. Transmission of this disease usually occurs due to lack of personal and environmental hygiene.
The symptoms caused by each disease are different. In scurvy, symptoms can include itching, especially at night, rashes, sores from scratching, and dry and thickened areas of the skin.
Meanwhile, in ringworm, the symptoms that appear are almost the same as scabies, except for ringworm, a circular rash appears on the skin area and hair loss occurs.
Just like scabies and ringworm, leprosy also attacks the skin area of the sufferer and is characterized by white patches or lighter than the surrounding skin. Symptoms usually include muscle weakness and numbness, especially in the hands and feet, as well as problems with eyes and vision.
8. Malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites and is also transmitted through mosquito bites. Malaria sufferers generally show several symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Shivering
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle ache
- Nausea and vomiting
It should be noted that malaria is an endemic disease with areas that still have high cases in eastern Indonesia. People living in malaria endemic areas have the highest risk of contracting this disease.
9. Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Symptoms include fever and inflammation of the lining of the upper respiratory tract, nose, and skin.
In 2017, diphtheria was an extraordinary case in Indonesia. This condition occurs due to a group of people who are easily infected with diphtheria due to not getting vaccinated or their vaccination status is incomplete.
Prevention of infectious diseases can also be pursued through a healthy lifestyle, immunization, and vaccination. Some clean living habits must also be carried out, such as washing hands, eating a balanced nutritious diet, and not sharing personal utensils with other people.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience some of the symptoms of an infectious disease mentioned above, especially if it has been happening for more than 3 days.