The Top 5 Diseases that Made Headlines in 2008

The Top 5 Diseases that Made Headlines in 2008

The year 2008 was full of health hazards and pandemics that had the whole world concerned. From the flu virus to cancers, we saw all types of diseases make headlines. Let’s take a look at the top 5 diseases that made headlines in 2008.

1. Swine Flu

Swine Flu or H1N1 flu was a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the influenza A virus. The pandemic started in Mexico and soon spread to the United States and other parts of the world, causing widespread panic. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus infected more than 1 billion people and caused over 500,000 deaths worldwide.

2. Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes, and it causes severe joint pain and fever. It first broke out in Africa and Southeast Asia in the 1950s but made a comeback in 2008. The disease hit the Indian subcontinent and spread to countries such as Italy, France, and the United States. There are no particular treatments for chikungunya, but it can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

3. Melanoma Skin Cancer

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and it made headlines in 2008 due to its increasing number of cases. The disease is caused by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, which are skin cells that produce a pigment called melanin. The risk factors for melanoma include prolonged exposure to UV radiation and a family history of the disease. Early diagnosis is crucial, and the treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

4. Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle, and joint pain. The disease was first reported in the 1950s and has resurged in 2008. According to the WHO, the number of dengue cases has increased 30-fold since the 1960s. The disease is endemic in Asia and Latin America, and there is no specific treatment except for supportive care such as rest and pain relievers.

5. Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and often deadly illness caused by the Ebola virus. The disease was first reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 but resurfaced in 2008. The outbreak affected several countries in Central Africa, causing more than 300 deaths. The disease spreads through close contact with infected body fluids and can lead to internal bleeding and organ failure. There are no specific treatments for EVD, but supportive care can improve survival rates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the year 2008 saw an array of infectious diseases that shook the world, from the flu virus and cancers to mosquito-borne illnesses. These diseases continue to affect millions of people worldwide. Awareness, early detection, and prevention measures are crucial in the fight against these diseases. With proper precautions and care, we can reduce the spread of these infections and save countless lives.