5 Deadly Diseases That Start With the Letter Z

5 Deadly Diseases That Start With the Letter Z

When it comes to deadly diseases, most people might only think of cancer, heart disease, or even COVID-19. However, there are lesser-known yet lethal diseases that exist in the world, and some of them even start with the letter Z.

In this article, we will discuss five deadly diseases that begin with Z, their symptoms, and how to prevent them.

1. Zika Virus

Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that emerged as a public health threat in South and Central America in 2015. It can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. In pregnant women, the virus can cause microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the fetus.

Fortunately, the spread of Zika Virus has decreased over the years, but it’s still important to take measures to prevent mosquito bites, especially in areas where the virus is still active.

2. Zoonotic Diseases: Zaire Ebola Virus Disease and Zika Virus Disease

Zoonotic diseases are infections that spread between animals and humans. Zaire Ebola Virus Disease and Zika Virus Disease are two zoonotic diseases that can cause severe illness and even death.

Zaire Ebola Virus Disease is caused by the Ebola virus and is highly infectious. It can cause fever, headaches, muscle pain, and bleeding. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.

Zika Virus Disease, as mentioned earlier, is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause various symptoms. The disease primarily affects pregnant women and can lead to severe congenital disabilities in newborns.

To prevent these diseases, it’s essential to practice good hygiene, use mosquito nets, and avoid contact with infected bodily fluids and animals.

3. Zoster (Shingles)

Zoster, also known as shingles, is a painful rash that develops on one side of the body. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.

After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Symptoms of shingles include a painful rash, headache, fever, and sensitivity to light.

To prevent shingles, it’s recommended to get vaccinated against the virus.

4. Zar ian Plague

The Zarian Plague, also known as the Great Plague of Marseille, was a disease outbreak that occurred in Marseille, France, in 1720. It’s believed that the plague was caused by rats infested with fleas that carried the Yersinia pestis bacteria.

The outbreak resulted in the death of over 100,000 people in the city and caused widespread panic throughout Europe.

Luckily, modern sanitation and hygiene measures have significantly reduced the risk of the zarian plague. Still, it’s important to practice good hygiene, stay away from dead animals, and report any signs of the disease promptly.

5. Zinc Poisoning

While not a disease in itself, zinc poisoning can cause severe illness and even death if consumed in large quantities. Zinc poisoning can occur due to industrial exposure or excessive ingestion of dietary supplements.

Symptoms of zinc poisoning include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause anemia, kidney damage, and even death.

To prevent zinc poisoning, it’s essential to follow the recommended daily intake of dietary supplements and to avoid exposure to industrial sources of zinc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, even if diseases that start with the letter Z might not be as common as others, they can still cause severe health issues. It’s crucial to take steps to prevent these diseases, whether through good hygiene, vaccination, or other measures, to ensure our overall wellbeing.