Children catch this disease from other children with it. When an infected child coughs, small droplets go into the air with the virus in them. When children who have not been immunized breathe in these droplets, they may get the disease two to three weeks later.

2. Whooping Cough

Symptoms

Children suffering from this disease usually have long coughing spells, sometimes followed by vomiting. They will often lose weight or fail to gain weight because of a decreased appetite or vomiting.

What causes it

This disease is caused by a bacterial infection and whilst immunization does not altogether prevent the disease, it reduces the symptoms so they are not so serious.

How it is caught

This disease is caught from other children who have the disease. When an infected child coughs, small droplets go into the air with the bacteria in them. When children who have not been immunised breathe in these droplets, they may develop the disease.

3. Tetanus

Symptoms

Children suffering from this disease will have muscle spasms, stiff muscles in the whole body, and difficulty in swallowing.

What causes it

This disease is caused by bacteria; it is almost totally preventable by immunization.

How it is caught

This disease can be caught when the bacteria enters the body through various ways. These include:
*Through the umbilical cord in new-born babies, or through pierced ears, circumcision or other cuts when babies are between 14 and 21 days old. Most new-born babies who catch this disease die.
*In older children, the bacteria enter the body through cuts, scratches, wounds, ulcers or decayed teeth.

4. Polio

Symptoms

Children suffering from this disease will usually have weakness or paralysis of the limbs, especially the legs.

What causes it

This disease is caused by a virus which damages the nerves. Once nerves have been damaged, they can never be repaired again. Most children who are paralyzed are under three years old and the disability is usually very serious.

How it is caught

This disease is caught through contact with contaminated food, water and other objects. It is more common and more severe where there is poor sanitation.

5. Tuberculosis

Symptoms

Children suffering from this disease will usually have a cough, which lasts a long time, and loss of weight. Children are more likely to catch this disease if:

*They have had several contracts with a person who has the disease but received no treatment for it.
*They are weak from malaria, measles or whooping cough.
*They are malnourished.

What causes it

This disease is caused by a bacterial infection which mainly affects the lungs. It can occur at any age, even in infants, and is particularly common in overcrowded, insanitary housing.

How it is caught

This disease is caught by an infected person breathing out spores into the air, which are then breathed in by others. Once the spores settle in the lungs, they begin to damage the lung lining and produce the coughing fits.

6. Diphtheria

Symptoms

Children suffering from this disease will have a severe sore throat, sometimes accompanied by a swollen and tender neck, and be very ill.

What causes it

This disease is caused by bacteria. These bacteria produce a toxin which is absorbed into the tissues and bloodstream of the body, causing the swelling and subsequent damage.

How it is caught

This disease can be caught in a number of ways:

*By droplet secretions from the nose and throat of an infected person being released into the air and breathed in by others.
*By close face to face contact with an infected person.
*From articles which have been contaminated by the droplet secretions.
*From contaminated raw milk.

Immunization

Immunization can be achieved against these six dreadful diseases by EPI vaccines. Despite

available EPI programme some children are not immunised just for the lack of awareness. BCG, DPT, OPV, MMR and TT vaccines are available in the EPI schedule to prevent the diseases. Recently vaccine to prevent hepatitis B is given in pilot project. Pregnant women should be conscious about tetanus of their own and of their coming baby.

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Source: The daily Star Health dated 22-Aug-2004