List of Communicable Diseases in Bangladesh and Their Prevention

Communicable diseases also known as infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. These diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Bangladesh, with its dense population, tropical climate, and varying levels of public health infrastructure, faces significant challenges in managing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.

Here is a list of common communicable diseases in Bangladesh, along with details about each disease and preventive measures so that you can understand what you have to do.

Key Factors Contributing to Communicable Diseases in Bangladesh

#Population Density: Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. High population density in urban areas facilitates the rapid spread of infectious diseases.

#Climate: The tropical climate, characterized by heavy monsoon rains and high humidity, creates a conducive environment for the breeding of disease vectors such as mosquitoes.

#Water and Sanitation: Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is limited in many areas of the country. Contaminated water and poor sanitation practices are major contributors to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.

#Healthcare Infrastructure: While Bangladesh has made significant improvements in healthcare, gaps remain in healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Limited access to healthcare services and inadequate health education contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.

#Vector-Borne Diseases: Diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes (e.g., dengue, malaria) are prevalent due to favorable breeding conditions and lack of widespread use of preventive measures like insecticide-treated nets.

#Public Awareness: Lack of awareness and education about disease prevention and the importance of vaccinations and hygiene practices contribute to the persistence and spread of communicable diseases.

List of Communicable Diseases in Bangladesh

1. Dengue Fever

• Cause: Dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
• Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (e.g., nose or gum bleed).
• Prevention:
  • Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.
  • Use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing.
  • Install mosquito nets on windows and doors.
  • Avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

2. Cholera

• Cause: Vibrio cholerae bacteria, often through contaminated water or food.
• Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
• Prevention:
  • Drink safe, clean water. Boil or treat water if necessary.
  • Practice good sanitation and hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap.
  • Cook food thoroughly and avoid raw or undercooked seafood.
  • Use latrines and avoid open defecation.

3. Tuberculosis (TB)

• Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, primarily spread through the air from person to person.
• Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
• Prevention:
  • Ensure proper ventilation in living spaces.
  • Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Seek early diagnosis and complete the full course of TB treatment if infected.
  • Vaccination (BCG vaccine) for children.

4. Hepatitis A

• Cause: Hepatitis A virus, usually spread through contaminated food and water.
• Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), and dark urine.
• Prevention:
  • Vaccination against Hepatitis A.
  • Practice good personal hygiene, including thorough handwashing.
  • Drink safe water and avoid consuming uncooked food and unpeeled fruits.

5. Malaria

• Cause: Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, sweats, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pains.
• Prevention:
  • Use insect repellent and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
  • Wear protective clothing, especially during nighttime.
  • Take antimalarial medications when traveling to high-risk areas.
  • Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by draining standing water.

6. Typhoid Fever

• Cause: Salmonella typhi bacteria, often spread through contaminated food and water.
• Symptoms: Prolonged high fever, weakness, stomach pains, headache, and loss of appetite.
• Prevention:
  • Vaccination against typhoid fever.
  • Ensure access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation.
  • Practice good food hygiene and wash hands regularly.
  • Avoid eating food from street vendors.

7. Measles

• Cause: Measles virus, spread through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes.
• Symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a red, blotchy skin rash.
• Prevention:
  • Vaccination (MMR vaccine) for children.
  • Isolate infected individuals to prevent the spread.
  • Maintain good respiratory hygiene practices.

8. Hepatitis B

• Cause: Hepatitis B virus, transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids.
• Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine.
• Prevention:
  • Vaccination against Hepatitis B.
  • Avoid sharing needles and ensure safe blood transfusions.
  • Practice safe sex by using condoms.
  • Use personal protective equipment in healthcare settings.

9. Leprosy

• Cause: Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, spread through prolonged close contact with an untreated infected person.
• Symptoms: Skin lesions, numbness, muscle weakness, and eye problems.
• Prevention:
  • Early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the spread.
  • Avoid close contact with untreated individuals.
  • Public health education to reduce stigma and encourage early medical consultation.

10. Influenza (Flu)

• Cause: Influenza viruses, spread through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes.
• Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
• Prevention:
  • Annual flu vaccination.
  • Maintain good respiratory hygiene by covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands regularly and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
  • Stay home when feeling unwell to prevent spreading the virus.

General Tips for Preventing Communicable Diseases

1. Vaccination: Ensure timely vaccinations for preventable diseases.
2. Hygiene: Practice good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap.
3. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities.
4. Food Safety: Maintain good food hygiene and avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods.
5. Vector Control: Use insect repellent, mosquito nets, and eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.
6. Health Education: Increase awareness about the prevention and control of communicable diseases through public health campaigns.

By following these preventive measures and staying informed about the common communicable diseases, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of infection and contribute to better public health outcomes in Bangladesh.

Sources:

• https://nipsom.gov.bd/
• https://bangladeshhealthwatch.org/
• https://old.dghs.gov.bd/bn/licts_file/images/Health_Bulletin/HB2012_CH/HB2012_CH9_Communicable-Diseases.pdf