Emvironmental Threats Flashcards
Arthropods
Animals including spiders, ticks, mites and other insects as well as crustations such as lobster and crabs.
Vector
A carrier of disease causing organism.
Envenomation
Introduction of venom to the body.
Passive transmission
When the arthropod carrying the pathogen does nothing except “go along for the ride”.
Four ways of active transmission
Inoculation: vector injects pathogen into host along with saliva
Regurgitation: vector vomits into host while feeding on it
Fecal contamination: vector defocates into wound on host.
Crushing the vector: vector is smashed into skin of host
Cholera
Acute bacterial infection involving small intestine marked by profuse secretory diarrhea.
Dysentery
Diarrhea containing blood and mucus from inflammation in GI tract.
Typhoid
Acute bacterial infection caused by food or water contaminated with salmonella.
Phlebotmine sandfly fever
Acute viral disease transferred through the bite of a sandfly.
Leishmaniasis
Disease from sandfly bite in three forms. Visceral (95% death rate of untreated), cutaneous (most common form, often results in lifelong disability), mucotaneous (partially of completely destroys mucus membranes in mouth and nose).
What infection do mites cause?
Scabies and chiggers.
What are the two common venomous snakes in America?
Corral snake and pit viper.
Heat cramps signs/symptoms
Painful spasms of skeletal muscles and dehydration.
Heat exhaustion signs/symptoms
Dehydration, headache, loss of appetite, moist and pale skin, dark urine, and core temp between 99-103.9.
Heat stroke signs/symptoms
Hot, red, and dry skin. Profuse sweating, vomiting, nausea, and weakness. Core temp greater than 104, altered mental status, tachypnea and tachycardia.
