Patient

Smallpox is highly infectious disease. It starts with high fever, chill, backache and headache. Fever is followed by eruption like small red pimples. The eruptions first appear on the face and then spread to the rest of the body. Afterwards, the eruptions are filled with pus. These eruptions dry out by the third week.

Smallpox kills many patients and those who survive get permanent disfiguring marks on their faces, hands, necks etc. a number of children become blind and develop discharge from the ear.

The disease is caused by a germ called smallpox virus. The germ is present in the oral and nasal discharges and spreads through coughing and sneezing.

Prevention

The smallpox can be completely prevented by vaccinating all the newborn children. The children should be vaccinated before they attain the age of six months. They should be revaccinated after an interval of three to five years.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is the result of malnutrition. It is a very dreadful disease and caused by a germ called tubercle bacillus. Generally, the disease starts with coughing and light fever. After some time, there is a pain in the chest. In advanced stage of infection, blood also comes out with sputum. X-ray of the chest is necessary for the proper diagnosis of the disease. The tuberculosis can be completely cured if it is diagnosed in early stage.

Prevention

For the prevention of tuberculosis, the best course is to have B.C.G. vaccination. Optimum nutrition is also necessary. Fresh air to breathe in and living houses with good ventilation and proper sunlight are also of prime importance. Apart from the things maintained above, periodical check up is also necessary to prevent T.B.