Communicable Diseases

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. This specific bacteria primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs. It spreads through the air when infected people cough or sneeze. Vibrio cholera causes cholera, not TB. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever. Streptococcus causes throat infections and other conditions. Each disease has its specific causative organism, which is important for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Knowing the correct bacteria helps healthcare providers choose appropriate antibiotics.

More than 15 days

A sputum-filled cough that doesn't reduce even after 15 days is a key warning sign for tuberculosis. Normal coughs from common cold or flu usually resolve within 7-10 days. When a productive cough (with sputum) persists beyond 15 days, especially with other symptoms like fever, chest pain, and weakness, it suggests possible TB infection. Waiting for 30 days would delay diagnosis unnecessarily. Early detection after 15 days helps prevent complications and reduces transmission to others. This timeframe helps differentiate TB from common respiratory infections.

Influenza

Influenza is commonly known as 'flu'. This is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system and causes symptoms like fever, chills, headache, and body aches. The term 'flu' is a shortened, informal way of saying 'influenza'. Typhoid is a bacterial infection affecting the digestive system. Malaria is caused by parasites spread by mosquitoes. Tuberculosis is a bacterial lung infection. Each disease has distinct causes and symptoms, but only influenza is commonly called 'flu' in everyday language.

Contaminated food and water

Typhoid fever spreads through contaminated food, water, and milk. The Salmonella typhi bacteria is present in the feces of infected persons, and flies act as vectors by sitting on contaminated material and then on food/water. This is different from malaria (spread by mosquitoes), tuberculosis and influenza (spread through air droplets), or skin diseases (spread by direct contact). Understanding the transmission route helps in prevention - for typhoid, focus on food and water hygiene, proper sanitation, and fly control are most important.