Indian Journal of Communicable Diseases

Background: H1N1 is a major cause for concern among the common people of India and needless to say it has created fear across various strata of the society. The novel viral infection which is caused by influenza type A virus is an acute respiratory infection and is also known as swine flu. Objective: The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge regarding H1N1 among adults and to determine the association between level of knowledge regarding H1N1 among adults and socio-demographic variables. Study design: Quantitative approach using descriptive design. Setting: Study was conducted at Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram. Population:Adults who are attending all out patient departments of Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram. One hundred and twenty adults attending outpatient departments were interviewed using structured interview schedule for assessing the knowledge regarding H1N1 among adults. Results: One hundred and twenty adults attending outpatient departments were interviewed. The collected data were analysed by using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics The result revealed that only 18.3% of participants had good knowledge, 70.0% of participants had average knowledge and 11.7% of participants had poor knowledge regarding H1N1 among adults. Significant association was observed between the knowledge regarding H1N1 among adults with age (P value 0.002) and no association was noted with other variable like sex, religion, occupation and medias of information. Since the geographical areas of Kerala is now becoming more prone to the occurrence of communicable diseases, it is mandatory that all persons especially adults should be equipped with necessary knowledge regarding H1N1. So that they can act promptly if they encountered with such diseases. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that majority of adults had moderate knowledge regarding H1N1.

Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by skin and peripheral nerve involvement. Theanaesthetic nature of leprosy lesions predisposes patients to unnoticed injuries, complicating the management of burns and chronic wounds. Burn injuries in leprosy patients are challenging due to delayed presentation, impaired healing, and increased susceptibility to infections. Advanced wound care modalities, including Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (APRP) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), have emerged as promising solutions to address these challenges.APRP, rich in growth factors like PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-β, enhances angiogenesis, reduces inflammation, accelerates epithelialization, and promotes tissue regeneration, thereby improving wound healing. LLLT utilizes specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity, enhance microcirculation, boost collagen synthesis, and facilitate faster wound closure. When incorporated into a comprehensive management strategy, these techniques can significantly improve outcomes for burn wounds in leprosy patients. This article highlights the unique challenges of burn management in leprosy and emphasizes the role of advanced therapies such as APRP and LLLT in optimizing wound healing and reducing complications. A multidisciplinary approach combining these modalities with conventional wound care, infection control, rehabilitation, and patient education is essential for achieving favorable outcomes.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its Constitution written in 1948, recognized health to be a fundamental right of every human being. In the same year, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) were drawn up and subsequently many international and regional human rights treaties, recognized the right of every human being to achieve the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Realizing the fact that the marginalized, discriminated and underserved population have as much equal right as the others, the WHO outlined a human rights-based approach, which aims to support sustainable development by addressing inequalities and discriminatory practices, focusing on the groups of people who are most marginalized and discriminated against. All countries have a legal obligation to use the maximum available resources to develop and implement legislation, policies, health systems and health services, which guarantee universal access to quality health care and address the root causes of health disparities, including poverty, stigma and discrimination. To focus on ensuring right to health, the theme for World Health Day 2024 was formulated as ‘My health, my right’.

Background: Vaccines have played a critical role in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, greatly lowering worldwide morbidity and mortality. This review examines many forms of vaccinations. In contrast, inactivated vaccines, such as the polio vaccine, are safer for immunocompromised people, they frequently require booster shots. Aim: This review emphasises the importance of vaccinations in public health and the need for innovation to tackle future infectious disease threats. The introduction of new pathogens has prompted the creation of novel vaccination platforms, including mRNA and viral vector vaccines. mRNA vaccines, such as those used to treat COVID-19, use genetic instructions to direct cells to manufacture antigens, resulting in strong immunity. Conclusion: These vaccines have demonstrated excellent efficacy and rapid scaling, making them valuable instruments in pandemics. This review emphasises the necessity of designing vaccine methods that meet individual illnesses, demographics, and logistical obstacles. While vaccinations have considerably reduced the occurrence of infectious diseases, more research is needed to address future threats, improve vaccine efficacy, and overcome obstacles such as vaccine reluctance and global inequities. Understanding the capabilities and limits of each vaccine type will help researchers and policymakers better equip healthcare systems to address current and future infectious disease concerns.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen, primarily affecting young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. In the postCOVID-19 era, its epidemiology, clinical presentation, and public health implications have undergone notable changes. This review explores the interplay between HMPV and the disruptions caused by the pandemic, including shifts in seasonal trends, altered population immunity, and overlapping symptoms with COVID-19, which complicate diagnosis. The lack of rapid diagnostic tests and limited awareness among healthcare providers further hinders timely detection and management. Current treatment remains supportive, as challenges in developing targeted antiviral therapies and vaccines persist due to HMPV’s genetic diversity and complex pathogenesis. Insights from the pandemic, including the effectiveness of public health measures and surveillance systems, underscore the need for integrated strategies to manage concurrent viral epidemics. The review also highlights the potential impact of climate change on HMPV seasonality and the critical role of global collaboration in advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Addressing these challenges is essential to mitigate the burden of HMPV and improve outcomes for at-risk populations.

Herpes zoster virus (HZV) infection of the central and peripheral nervous systems can be of serious consequences. Most of the time it affects the respective dermatomes of the dorsal root ganglia without further invasion. But in some cases it progresses to invade one or multiple cranial nerves in their motor (VI, VII) and /or sensory (V¹²³, VIII) distribution. The geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve (VII) as well as the trigeminal ganglion (V) are particularly vulnerable. Rarely there may be a segmental radiculopathy, or myelopathy, too. We present here a patient who presented with herpes zoster eruptions over face and neck unilaterally with ipsilateral VIIth. cranial nerve (facial) LMN palsy, collectively known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome. He was treated conservatively without using corticosteroid and recovered within few weeks,without any residual neurological deficit.