Tag: public health

  • Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

    Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Definition and Description of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as “mad cow disease,” is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects cattle. It is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal prion proteins in the brain, leading to a spongy degeneration of brain tissue. This condition falls under the category of…

  • Binge Drinking

    Binge Drinking Definition and Description of Binge Drinking Binge drinking is defined as a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. This level is typically reached when men consume five or more drinks and women consume four or more drinks within about two hours. The Centers for…

  • Bioterrorism

    Bioterrorism: Understanding the Threat Bioterrorism Definition and Description of Bioterrorism Bioterrorism refers to the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. It is a form of terrorism that exploits biological agents as weapons of mass destruction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…

  • Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)

    Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Definition and Description of Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Bird Flu, scientifically known as Avian Influenza, is an infectious viral disease that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans and other animals. The illness is caused by influenza viruses that primarily affect avian species but can mutate to infect mammals, including…

  • Black Death

    Black Death Definition and Description of Black Death The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa in the mid-14th century. This highly infectious disease, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, originated in Asia and was transmitted to humans via flea bites…

  • Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

    Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Definition and Description of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, is an infectious viral disease that primarily affects birds but can, in rare instances, infect humans and other animals. It is caused by influenza viruses that belong to the orthomyxoviridae family. Various strains of the virus…

  • Avoiding Mercury in Fish

    Avoiding Mercury in Fish Definition and Description of Avoiding Mercury in Fish Avoiding mercury in fish is crucial for maintaining optimal health, particularly for individuals who consume seafood regularly. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal found in the environment, primarily originating from industrial pollution. It can accumulate in fish and pose serious health risks to…

  • Babesiosis

    Babesiosis Definition and Description of Babesiosis Babesiosis is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Babesia, which infect red blood cells. This disease is primarily transmitted through tick bites, particularly from the Ixodes scapularis tick, which is commonly found in wooded or grassy areas. Babesiosis can lead to a range of…

  • Arbovirus A Chikungunya Type

    Arbovirus A Chikungunya Type Definition and Description of Arbovirus A Chikungunya Type Arbovirus A Chikungunya Type, commonly referred to simply as Chikungunya, is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. The term “Arbovirus” refers to a group of viruses that are transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes and…

  • AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

    AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Definition and Description of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a chronic condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in fighting infections. As the virus progresses, it progressively damages the…