Childhood Communicable Diseases

A communicable disease is a disease with a known causative agent that can be spread from one person to another. There are a number of infectious diseases that affect children that are treatable or preventable.

Chicken Pox

• Chicken pox is a viral disease that causes symptoms such as an itchy rash, fever, sore throat and/or abdominal pain. The chicken pox vaccine and a booster shot can prevent chicken pox. Calamine lotion can be used to relieve itching sensations.

Flu

• Also called influenza, the flu is a viral illness that causes symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, cough, nausea and/or diarrhea. The flu can be prevented through yearly flu vaccinations.

Head Lice

• Head lice is caused by parasitic insects called lice. The condition causes children to have itching sensations around the area where they are bitten. Medicated shampoos or conditioners with pyrethrins are used to treat head lice in children.

Pinworm Infection

• A pinworm infection is caused by a parasite called a roundworm. More severe forms of the infection have symptoms such as itching in the anus or genital area, abdominal pain, nausea and/or insomnia. Anthelmintic drugs such as Pin-X and Albenza are used to treat the infection.

Measles and Mumps

• Measles and mumps are both caused by viruses. Symptoms of measles include rash, light sensitivity, irritated or red eyes, a runny nose, a sore throat and/or white spots in the mouth. Symptoms of mumps include swelling of the glands, headaches and/or muscle aches. There is a vaccination available for measles and mumps.