Common Infectious Common Infectious Diseases of ChildrenDiseases of ChildrenPresented by APIC San Antonio
Common TermsCommon TermsSusceptible Host: A person capable of
becoming infected
Causative Agent: The germ (bacteria, virus, parasite) that causes a disease
Common TermsCommon TermsIncubation Period: The time frame
from exposure to development of symptoms
Transmission Route: The method by which a causative agent infects a susceptible host (Contact, Droplet, Airborne)
Hand HygieneHand HygieneResident and Transient organisms
◦Resident organisms – bacteria that stay on the skin. They cannot be removed completely, but their numbers can be reduced.
◦Transient Organisms – Organisms that we pick up from other people and the environment around us. These organisms can cause serious infections. They can be removed by performing hand hygiene.
Hand HygieneHand HygieneThe single most important way to
prevent the spread of infection!
Two methods: Soap and Water or with Alcohol Hand Rubs
Hand HygieneHand HygieneSoap and Water vs. Alcohol Hand Rubs
• Physically removes germs from hands
•Takes over a minute to do properly
•Should be used when hands are visibly soiled
•Can cause skin irritation
• Kills germs on the skin
•Takes about 15 - 20 seconds to do properly
•Should not be used when hands are visibly soiled
•Some products improve skin condition
Hand Hygiene How ToHand Hygiene How ToSoap and Water
◦Turn on water and wet your hands◦Apply soap and rub hand together to
create a lather◦Scrub all surfaces of your hands for at
least 15 seconds◦Rinse soap from hands◦Dry hands with clean paper towel (if
possible)◦Use paper towel to turn off sink and
open door
Hand HygieneHand HygieneAlcohol based hand rubs
◦Place a dime sized amount in palm◦Rub hands together, covering all
surfaces◦Allow hands to dry completely before
touching surfaces
Look for a product that contains skin conditioners
Antibiotic UsageAntibiotic UsageMain Causes of Disease in Children
◦Bacteria◦Viruses◦Fungi◦Parasites
Antibiotics are only effective against Bacteria! Other medications might be needed for a different type of infection.
Antibiotic UsageAntibiotic UsageWhat harm can result from use of
antibiotics when they have no benefit?
◦Many antibiotics have side effects, including upset stomach and diarrhea
◦Using antibiotics with viral infections increases child’s risk for future infections with Multi-drug resistant Organisms (MDROs)
Antibiotic UsageAntibiotic UsageWhat are MDROs?
◦Multi-Drug Resistant organisms are bacteria that cannot be killed by many antibiotics
◦Infections with these bacteria are difficult to treat; children (and adults) with these infections can become very ill
Antibiotic UsageAntibiotic UsageWhy are MDROs a major concern?
◦The number of MDRO infections has been increasing for the last several years
◦This growth of drug resistance can be slowed by appropriately using antibiotics
Rash and Skin DiseasesRash and Skin DiseasesChickenpoxStaphylococcus (MSSA and MRSA)ScabiesMeaslesRubellaRing WormFifth DiseaseImpetigo
ChickenpoxChickenpox
ChickenpoxChickenpox
Symptoms: Fever, blister-like rash on the face, scalp and trunk. Severe cases can develop brain swelling or pneumonia.
Transmission: ◦Causative agent: Varicella Zoster Virus ◦Incubation Period: 10-21 days ◦Transmission Route: Airborne and
Contact
ChickenpoxChickenpoxPrevention: Vaccination! Two doses,
first at 12-15 months, second at 4-6 years
Treatment: Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal bath may help relieve hitching. Use non aspirin medication to relieve fever. Severe cases may receive anti-viral drugs.
MRSAMRSA
MRSAMRSASymptoms: Red, swollen, extremely
painful bumps. May contain pus or other drainage. Often mistaken for spider bite.
Transmission◦Causative agent: Methicillin
Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus◦Incubation Period: Days to Weeks◦Transmission: Contact
MRSAMRSAPrevention: Hand Hygiene, cleaning
“high risk” surfaces (sports equipment, bathrooms, toys), keeping open wounds clean, not sharing personal items; covering wounds securely for contact with others
Treatment: A physician may prescribe
antibiotics. Wound may need to be drained (don’t do it yourself!)
ScabiesScabies
ScabiesScabiesSymptoms: Severe itching, especially
at night. Pimple-like or tunneled rash on wrist, elbows, armpits, genitals, or buttocks
Transmission: ◦Causative Agent: Sarcoptes scabiei
var. hominis, the human itch mite◦Incubation Period: 4-6 weeks◦Transmission: Contact
ScabiesScabies
ScabiesScabiesPrevention: Avoid contact with
infected individuals or with items such as clothing or bedding used by an infested person
Treatment: Scabicides, only available by prescription. All members of a household should be treated
Measles (Rubeola)Measles (Rubeola)
Measles (Rubeola)Measles (Rubeola)Symptoms: Blotchy rash, fever,
cough, runny nose, “run down” feeling
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Measles virus◦Incubation Period: 7-14 days◦Transmission: Airborne, 4 days
before symptoms
Measles (Rubeola)Measles (Rubeola)Prevention: Vaccination! First dose
12-15 months, second dose 4-6 years
Treatment: Many cases will receive symptom care at home. Severe cases may require hospitalization.
Rubella (German Measles)Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella (German Measles)Rubella (German Measles)Symptoms: Rash and fever, disease is
relatively mild (significant risk to infant if transmitted to pregnant women)
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Rubella Virus◦Incubation Period: 14-21 days◦Transmission: Droplet
Rubella (German Measles)Rubella (German Measles)Prevention: Vaccination! First dose
12-15 months, second dose 4-6 years
Treatment: Symptom relief
Ring WormRing Worm
Ring WormRing WormSymptoms: Round, red, itchy area with
clear center. Hair loss may occur.
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Dermatophytes◦Incubation Period: 4-14 days◦Transmission: Contact with infected
persons or animals. Clothing, bedding and towels can also spread the infection.
Ring WormRing WormPrevention: Good hand hygiene, avoid
sharing items like hair brushes, hats and clothing that have touched affected areas
Treatment: Topical anti-fungals
Fifth DiseaseFifth Disease
Fifth DiseaseFifth DiseaseSymptoms: “Slapped Cheek” rash,
rash on trunk and arms/legs, mild fever
Transmission◦Causative agent: Parvovirus B19◦Incubation Period: 4-14 days◦Transmission: Droplet
Fifth DiseaseFifth DiseasePrevention: Hand hygiene and cough
etiquette (cover your cough) are the best methods for preventing infection.
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for Fifth disease. The rash and fever will go away after a couple days.
Risk to infant for pregnant women.
ImpetigoImpetigo
ImpetigoImpetigoSymptoms: Small yellow blisters or
scabs, often on the face and other frequently touched skin surfaces
Transmission◦Causative Agents: Group A
Streptococcus, Staphylococcus◦Incubation Period: 1-3 days◦Transmission: Direct contact with
infected sores
ImpetigoImpetigoPrevention: Hand hygiene and cough
etiquette (cover your cough)
Treatment: Antibiotics are available by prescription
Respiratory DiseasesRespiratory DiseasesInfluenzaCommon ColdTuberculosisPertussisRSV
InfluenzaInfluenza
InfluenzaInfluenzaSymptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat,
body aches, runny nose, headache
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Influenza virus◦Incubation Period: 2-4 days◦Transmission: Droplet
InfluenzaInfluenzaPrevention: Vaccination! One shot or
nasal mist per year (after initial 2 doses). Check with your physician for age limits.
Treatment: Symptom management. Severe cases may receive antivirals.
Common ColdCommon Cold
Common ColdCommon ColdSymptoms: Runny nose, nasal
congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, mild headache and body ache
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Rhinovirus◦Incubation Period: 2-5 days◦Transmission: Droplet
Common ColdCommon ColdPrevention: Hand hygiene and cough
etiquette (cover your cough). Avoid contact with people who have upper respiratory infections.
Treatment: Symptom management
Tuberculosis (TB)Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB)Tuberculosis (TB)Symptoms: Bloody cough, fever, chills,
night sweats, weight loss
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Mycobacterium
tuberculosis◦Incubation Period: Months to years◦Transmission: Airborne
Tuberculosis (TB)Tuberculosis (TB)Prevention: Avoid contact with high-
risk populations or infected individuals. (Vaccine is available, but not used in the U.S.)
Treatment: Antibiotics. Treatment lasts for 4-9 months.
Pertussis (Whooping Pertussis (Whooping Cough)Cough)
Pertussis (Whooping Pertussis (Whooping Cough)Cough)Symptoms: Begins like common old,
but severe coughing begins 1-2 weeks later.
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Bordetella
pertussis◦Incubation Period: 7-10 days◦Transmission: Droplet
Pertussis (Whooping Pertussis (Whooping Cough)Cough)Prevention: DTaP vaccine. Children
should get 5 doses of DTaP, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months and 4-6 years
Treatment: Antibiotics
Risk: Severe disease can result
RSVRSV
RSVRSVSymptoms: Similar to common cold,
“wheezing” during breathing
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Respiratory
Syncytial Virus◦Incubation Period: 4-6 days◦Transmission: Droplet, Contact
RSVRSVPrevention: Hand Hygiene, Cough
Etiquette (cover your cough). Medication is available to prevent severe illness in high risk infants.
Treatment: Symptom management
Blood Borne DiseasesBlood Borne DiseasesHIV/AIDSHepatitis BHepatitis C
HIV/AIDSHIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDSHIV/AIDSSymptoms: Early symptoms are vague and
flu-like. Later symptoms include chronic infections, purplish lesions, weight loss and extreme fatigue.
Transmission◦ Causative Agent: Human
Immunodeficiency virus◦ Incubation Period: HIV: 2-4 weeks
AIDS: 2 weeks-20 years◦ Transmission: Mother to child during birth
HIV/AIDSHIV/AIDSPrevention: Avoid high-risk behaviors
such as IV drug use and unprotected sex
Treatment: Antiretroviral for mom and baby
Hepatitis BHepatitis B
Hepatitis B/CHepatitis B/CSymptoms: Most children are
asymptomatic, some may have jaundice
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Hepatitis Virus B/C◦Incubation Period: Hep B: approx. 90
days Hep C: 1-3 months◦Transmission: Mother to child
Hepatitis B/CHepatitis B/CPrevention: Hep B: Vaccination, 3 doses given 1
and 6 months apart Hep C: Avoiding high risk behaviors
such as IV drug use and unprotected sex
Treatment: There is no treatment for
acute infection. Chronic infection can be managed with antivirals.
DiarrheaDiarrheaBacterial
Viral
DiarrheaDiarrheaSymptoms: Abdominal cramps, loose
watery stool
Transmission:◦Causative agent: Bacteria and
viruses◦Incubation period: Hours to weeks◦Transmission: Mostly fecal-oral
DiarrheaDiarrheaPrevention: Avoid contaminated water
(swimming pools), use good hand hygiene and proper food handling. Vaccine available for Rotavirus.
Treatment: Antibiotics or anti-parasitics for severe cases
Important BacteriaImportant BacteriaSalmonella, Shigella and
Campylobacter, E. coli◦Found mainly on contaminated
meats◦Can be avoided by thorough cooking
Staphylococcus spp.◦Found mainly in contaminated “hand
made” dishes◦Can be avoided with proper hand
hygiene and refrigeration
Important VirusesImportant VirusesRotavirus, Norovirus, Adenovirus,
Hepatitis A
All are spread by the fecal-oral route, adenovirus can also be spread by the droplet
Other DiseasesOther DiseasesStrep/Scarlet FeverMeningitisMumpsLiceConjunctivitisMononucleosisOtitis Media
Strep/Scarlet FeverStrep/Scarlet Fever
Strep/Scarlet FeverStrep/Scarlet FeverSymptoms: Red rash, fever, sore
throat, swollen glands. The tongue may have a "strawberry"-like appearance , a whitish coating and appear swollen
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Streptococcus
group A◦Incubation Period: 1- 3 days◦Transmission: Contact and Droplet
Strep/Scarlet FeverStrep/Scarlet FeverPrevention: Hand Hygiene, avoid
sharing utensils with sick individuals
Treatment: Antibiotics
MeningitisMeningitis
MeningitisMeningitisSymptoms: Fever, headache, stiff neck,
rash in severe cases
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Viral – Enterovirus, Measles, Mumps, Chickenpox Bacterial – N. meningitidis, S.
pneumoniae, H influenzae, Group B Strep◦ Incubation Period: 3-7 days◦Transmission: Droplet and Contact
MeningitisMeningitisPrevention: Vaccination is available for
N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, Measles, Mumps, and Chickenpox
Treatment: Antibiotics are available for bacterial infections
MumpsMumps
MumpsMumpsSymptoms: Fever, headaches, muscle
aches, swollen glands under the ears or jaw
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Myxovirus
parotiditis◦Incubation Period: 16-18 days◦Transmission: Droplet/contact
MumpsMumpsPrevention: Vaccination! First dose
12-15 months, second dose 4-6 years; Respiratory Etiquette; Hand Hygiene.
Treatment: Symptom Management
LiceLice
LiceLiceSymptoms: Itching or tickling
sensation on the scalp, especially when trying to sleep.
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Pediculus capitis◦Incubation Period: 4-6 weeks◦Transmission: Contact
LiceLicePrevention: Avoid sharing hats,
clothing, bedding or hair accessories among children. Wash sheets/linen often.
Treatment: Over the counter shampoos that kill lice. Prescription treatments are available if over the counter treatments are not effective.
ConjunctivitisConjunctivitis
ConjunctivitisConjunctivitisSymptoms: Red itchy eyes, drainage
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Several Bacteria
and Viruses◦Incubation Period: 2 -10 days◦Transmission: Contact
ConjunctivitisConjunctivitisPrevention: Hand Hygiene. Avoid
contact with infected individuals
Treatment: Antibiotic drops or ointment for bacterial infections. Symptom management for viral infections
MononucleosisMononucleosis
MononucleosisMononucleosisSymptoms: Fever, sore throat, and
swollen lymph glands
Transmission◦Causative Agent: Epstein-Barr Virus◦Incubation Period: 4-7 weeks◦Transmission: Contact with saliva
MononucleosisMononucleosisPrevention: Hand hygiene. Avoid
sharing drinks, utensils, and lip makeup with others
Treatment: Symptom management
Otitis Media (Ear Otitis Media (Ear Infections)Infections)
Otitis Media (Ear Otitis Media (Ear Infections)Infections)Symptoms: Pain, pus draining from
ear, redness of ear drums, irritability, pulling on the ear
Transmission◦Causative Agent: A variety of
Bacteria/Viruses◦Incubation Period: 4-7 days◦Transmission: Typically occurs after
an upperrespiratory infection
Otitis Media (Ear Otitis Media (Ear Infections)Infections)Prevention: Keep up to date on
immunizations, avoid second hand smoke and heavy air pollution
Treatment: Antibiotics may be given.
Symptoms may be managed with over the counter pain medication
Questions?Questions?
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