In their book, 101 Illnesses you Don’t Want to Get, Michael Powell and Dr. Oliver Fischer describe some of the most feared diseases in the world. These range from well known sicknesses such as cholera and leprosy to more obscure diseases such as anisakiasis and elephantiasis.
Diseases that Affect the Skin
Necrotizing fasciitis is sometimes referred to as flesh-eating disease. It is caused by group A strep bacteria which enter the body through a break in the skin. Its onset is often marked by undue pain and swelling around the skin injury, followed by flu-like symptoms, nausea and dehydration. Within a few days the infected area swells and large dark fluid-filled blisters appear. Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics and surgical removal of dead tissue. About 20% of people with necrotizing fasciitis will die from it.
Leprosy has been around for centuries and is common in warm wet areas in the tropics and subtropics. It is mildly infectious and is caused by a bacillus. Without treatment, hands and feet will lose feeling and gangrene, blindness and collapse of the nose may occur. Leprosy can be treated with antibiotics although it will take about two years for a complete cure to be effected.
Diseases of the Intestines
Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small intestine that causes extremely watery diarrhoea. It is commonly found in war zones and areas that suffer floods or earthquakes. Symptoms include cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea and severe dehydration. Treatment includes antibiotics and intravenous rehydration. If acute cases are not treated they are usually fatal.
Typhoid fever is an infection of the intestines caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria. It is spread by food that has been in contact with infected stools or urine. Symptoms include sore throat and chest congestion, diarrhoea, rashes and weaknesses. Treatment is with antibiotics and if left untreated, 10% of sufferers will die from complications.
Diseases Caused by Parasites
Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection that is caused by swallowing the larvae of roundworms. This is normally as a result of eating raw or undercooked fish. Symptoms can include acute abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting. Worms may be coughed up. The condition is not life-threatening but can be very painful. Surgery may be needed to remove the worms but in most cases, they will die off naturally.
Elephantiasis is a lymphatic system disorder caused by parasitic worms. The worm larvae enter the bloodstream via the bite of a carrier mosquito. The disease takes years to manifest and does so in the form of gross enlargement of the genitals, limbs, trunk and head. The skin turns thick, dark and pebbly like an elephant's. The condition is extremely disfiguring but not fatal. There is no cure for it.
Diseases that Affect the Blood
Ebola is a haemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of around 90%. It is found in parts of Central Africa and is transmitted by infected body fluids of people or animals. Animal sources include chimpanzees, gorillas, forest antelope and porcupines. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain and weakness followed by diarrhoea and vomiting. The final stage is marked by a haemorrhagic rash and bleeding from bodily orifices.
Marburg haemorrhagic fever is similar to Ebola but milder, with a mortality rate of around 25%. Symptoms are similar to Ebola and there is no cure.
Many of the dread diseases of the world are concentrated in areas with poor sanitation and low levels of health care. Some are curable while others must run their course with only symptomatic treatments available. In all cases, prevention is the best way of protection.
Reference:
101 Illnesses You Don’t want to Get, by Michael Powell with Dr Oliver Fischer, Cassell Illustrated, 2005, ISBN 1-84403-389-9
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
Join the Conversation