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 Mononucleosis

Viral Infection
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Symptoms
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
Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Transmitted through oropharyngeal contact
Fatigue, followed by fever, severe sore throat, oral
discharges, and enlarged, tender lymph nodes
Management
 Herpes

Viral Infection
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Transmitted in saliva and commonly infects the
oropharynx, face, lips, skin, fingers, and toes
Symptoms



Simplex Virus Type 1
Fluid-filled vesicles that develop into cold sores or
fever blisters, then small ulcerations
Fever, malaise, and dehydration may occur also.
Management
 Epiglottitis
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Inflammation of the Epiglottis


True emergency in children
Characteristics
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Dysphonia, drooling, dysphagia, distress
Stridor, fever, sore throat
 Croup
Viral Illness Causing Upper-Airway Obstruction
 Characteristics


Stridor, “seal-bark” cough, nocturnal occurrence with
acute distress, tachypnea, and retractions
 Pharyngitis
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Infection of the Pharynx and Tonsils
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Characteristics
Sudden onset of sore throat and fever, with swelling of the
palate, tonsils, and lymph nodes
 Common in 5- to 11-year-old patients
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
Scarlet fever
 Sinusitis
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
Infection of the Paranasal Sinuses
Characteristics
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Purulent or blood-tinged drainage
Congestion and pressure
 Hantavirus


Viral Infection Carried by Rodents
Characteristics
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Fatigue, fever, aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and
abdominal pain
Severe myocardial depression
 Gastroenteritis
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Characteristics
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Pathogens
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Nausea, vomiting, cramping or discomfort, anorexia,
and diarrhea
Causes include viruses, bacteria, and parasites
Risks include age, international travel, contaminated
food and water supply
Management
 Food

Characteristics


Poisoning
Diarrhea, vomiting, and
gastrointestinal distress
Pathogens


Commonly bacterial
infections
E. coli O157:H7
Often found in
undercooked meat
 Produces a potent
neurotoxin


Management
© Phototake NYC
 Encephalitis

Infection of the Brain
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
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Clinical Presentation
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Typically viral in nature
Commonly co-exists with meningitis
Decreased level of consciousness, fever, headache,
drowsiness, coma, tremors, and stiff neck/back
Management
 Rabies

Viral Infection Affecting the Nervous System
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
Transmitted through bites, nonintact skin, and direct
contact with a mucous membrane
Symptoms

Prodromes
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Malaise, headache, fever, chills, sore throat, myalgias,
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Encephalitic phase

Excessive motor activity, excitation, and agitation
 Management
Inspect and irrigate wound
 Do not bandage; allow the
wound to drain
 Notify appropriate
authorities so source animal’s
status can be determined
 Perform post-exposure
prophylaxis

 Immunization
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 Tetanus

Bacterial Infection of the CNS
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Symptoms
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
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Infection often occurs in minor wounds and burns
Rigidity of muscles occurs close to infection site
Generalized symptoms include pain and stiffness in the
jaw, muscle spasms, and respiratory arrest
Management
Immunization
 Lyme

Inflammatory Disorder
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Caused by a tick-borne spirochete
Stages of Disease
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Early localized
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“Bull’s eye” rash
Early disseminated
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Spirochete spreads to the skin, nervous system, heart, and
joints
Late



Disease
Encephalopathy with cognitive deficits, depression, and
sleep disorders
Management
Immunization
 Gonorrhea

Gram-Negative
Bacterial Infection
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
Symptoms
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
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Transmitted by direct
sexual contact with
infected partner
Local
Systemic
Management
© Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 Syphilis

Bloodborne Infection
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Stages of Syphilis
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Caused by spirochete
Transmitted by sexual
intercourse or direct contact
with a lesion
Primary
Secondary
Latent
Tertiary
Management
© Bookside Associates, Ltd.
 Genital
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Viral Infection
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
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Warts
Highly contagious
Transmitted by contact
Symptoms

Cauliflower-like, fleshy
growths on the penis,
anus, labial surfaces,
and anal mucosa
© Photo Researchers, Inc.
 Herpes

Viral Infection


Transmitted by sexual contact
Characteristics
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
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Simplex Type 2
Vesicular lesions on penis, anus,
rectum, mouth, vulva, buttocks,
legs, and perineum
Lesions that heal but occur
throughout the patient’s
lifetime
Management
© Photo Researchers, Inc.
 Chlamydia

Parasitic Infection
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Characteristics
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
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Transmitted by sexual activity and hand-to-hand
contact of eye secretions
Similar to gonorrhea
May cause blindness, sterility
Management
 Trichomoniasis

Protozoan Parasite Infection
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
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Characteristics
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Transmitted by sexual contact
Males usually asymptomatic carriers
Vaginal discharge, irritation of the perineum and
thighs, and dysuria
Often concurrent with gonorrhea
Management
 Chancroid

Highly Contagious
Bacterial Ulcer
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
Characteristics


Transmitted by direct
sexual contact
Painful, inflamed
pustule or ulcer that
may appear on the
penis, anus, urethra, or
vulva
Management
© Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 Impetigo

Bacterial Infection
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Highly contagious
Spread by direct contact
Caused by staphylococci or streptococci
Lesions most commonly occur on the
extremities and joints
Standard precautions
 Lice

Parasitic
Infestation

Commonly occurs on
the scalp, trunk, or
pubic areas
Repeated
infestations may
cause an allergic
response
 Treatment

 Scabies

Mite Infestation


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Characterized by
intense itching
Remove and
decontaminate any
clothing that may
have contacted the
patient
Scabicides
© Phototake NYC
 Infection
Occurring in Hospitalized
Patients

Pathogens

Often include antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections:
Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE)
 Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSE)


Tuberculosis
 Role
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Recognize:




of the Paramedic
The history of sensationalized or misunderstood media
coverage of infectious disease outbreaks
The significance of leading by example
The serious personal and public health implications of
infectious disease
Educate the public:

Introduce disease transmission as part of CPR and first
aid classes
 Personal
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Ensure personal health

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Do not work if you have diarrhea, a draining wound,
mononucleosis, or a cold; have untreated lice, scabies,
or strep throat; or are jaundiced.
Maintain current immunizations

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Accountability
MMR, hepatitis B, DPT, polio, chickenpox, influenza,
and rabies (if appropriate)
Utilize BSI, PPE, and infection control
materials
Keep your education current
 Public
Health Principles and Agencies
 Microorganisms
 Contraction, Transmission, and Stages of Disease
 The Body’s Defenses against Disease
 Infection Control in Prehospital Care
 Assessment of the Patient with Infectious
Disease
 Selected Infectious Diseases
 Patient Education
 Preventing Disease Transmission