Communicable Childhood Diseases

Question 1

Pertussis (whooping cough)

Answer 1

Transmission: direct contact, Droplet, contaminated objects.

Upper respiratory infection for 1-2 weeks.
Vomiting, severe cough (4-6 weeks).
Complications: pneumonia, weight loss, dehydration, hemorrhage, hernia, and airway obstruction.

Question 2

Rubella (German measles)

Answer 2

Transmission: direct contact with droplets.

Kopliks spots (small red spots with blue/white centers), rash along hairline and behind ears.
Symptoms subside 1st day after rash.

Rare complications: arthritis, encephalitis, fetal deformity.

Isolate child from pregnant woman.

Question 3

Diphtheria

Answer 3

Common cold.
Hoarseness, malaise.
Transmission: direct contact with infected patient.

Contract/Droplet Precautions until 2 successive negative nose and throat cultures.

Watch for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress. Complete bed rest.

Question 4

Scarlet Fever

Answer 4

High fever with vomiting, chills, malaise, followed by enlarged tonsils covered with exudate.

Strawberry tongue.
Transmission: Droplet

Administer penicillin, erythromycin.

Question 5

RSV

Answer 5

High fever, severe cough, tachypnea, expiratory wheezes, runny nose, sore throat, headache.

Bronchodilators.

Question 6

Tonsillitis (strept)

Answer 6

Fever, white exudate on tonsils, positive culture.

Give antibiotics.
Teach parents potential complications: rheumatic fever glomerularphretis.