Summer Infectious Diseases & Prevention | Legionella, Dengue, etc.

Introduction

Summer is the season of activity and fun. As people have more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, there are more possible diseases they need to be careful of. In this article, we will explore what those diseases are, as well as the sources of infection and prevention measures.

A woman holding a lolipop. How can we make our summer safer? — Cool and hot summer. How can we make it safer.

The most common infectious diseases to be cautious of are:

Dengue fever
Cholera
Botulism
Staphylococcal food poisoning
E.coli
Legionella

There are other infectious diseases that should be taken seriously since their path of infection is directly connected to insects, water, and food.

Name	Source of Infection
Dengue fever	Mosquito
Cholera	Water, Food
Botulism	Food
Staphylococcal food poisoning	Food
E.coli	Water, Food
Legionella	Water (Aerosol)

Detection Methods for Common Infectious Diseases

How can you determine if you have been infected with any of the listed diseases? Is there any way to assess the severity of your symptoms besides using medical questionnaires?

Dengue fever: The virus or viral RNA can be detected using PCR or NS1 antigen test can detect viral antigen.
Cholera: Isolation of Vibrio cholerae from stool culture is the standard method for detection, but an antigen detection test is also available.
Botulism: Botulinum toxin can be detected in serum or stool using a mouse assay or ELISA.
Staphylococcal food poisoning: The bacteria can be isolated from clinical specimens such as urine or other secretions.
E.coli: Clinical specimens such as stool or blood can be isolated for detection.
Legionella: Legionella pneumophila can be isolated from respiratory secretions using culture or ELISA can detect Legionella antigen in urine. PCR is also available.

As we can see, there are various methods for detecting the presence of these diseases, each with varying levels of accuracy. Point-of-care testing (POCT) may be a viable option in areas where diagnostic laboratories or hospitals with infectious disease experts are not easily accessible.

Importance of Prevention Measures

Early detection of infectious diseases during the summer season is crucial for delivering optimal treatment to patients and screening infected sources to prevent further spread of the disease. Timely testing for seasonal infectious diseases can also significantly reduce mortality rates.

Overall Mortality Rates, by Cause and Country Income Group, 2000 and 2015 — The world bank, Disease Control Priorities: Improving Health and Reducing Poverty, 3rd edition. Washington (DC)

Prevention for Vulnerable Individuals

These infectious diseases can have a critical impact on patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and individuals with severe respiratory symptoms. These individuals should wash their hands frequently and avoid consuming suspicious foods exposed to high temperatures. If you or those around you exhibit suspicious symptoms such as vomiting, pneumonia, or diarrhea, please consult with health professionals to identify the source of illness.