Doha: The Communicable Diseases Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Supreme Council of Health’s (SCH) Medical Commission Department are working hard to prevent communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis through early detection, prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.
HMC Infectious Diseases Senior Consultant, Dr Husam Al Soub, also Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, said every communicable disease detected is being dealt with appropriately. “Once we are informed of any suspected case, we isolate the patient and provide him/her with treatment to ensure the patient is cured and out of danger of developing severe complications from the infection.”
The most common types of communicable diseases are those affecting the respiratory system such as flu, bronchitis and lung diseases. They have significant prevalence, particularly during winter and spring, in addition to diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, typhoid, brucellosis and viral illnesses.
Dr Al Soub stressed that chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension do not increase the risk of contracting communicable diseases, but can increase the severity of complications.
“Most deaths caused by epidemic communicable diseases happen among those having chronic diseases like diabetes due to their weak immunity.”
However, he said some communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, have a 99 percent cure rate. “Last year, there were 469 cases of tuberculosis and 99 percent were treated. Tuberculosis medications have advanced, making it easier for a patient to take medications more regularly, as three or four drugs have been replaced by one.”
He said about 600 cases of malaria were reported last year. “Malaria may be fatal. It is better to take preventive measures to maintain the disease at zero level. Most patients are those who travel abroad without taking vaccinations or precautions. Fortunately, malaria medications are available in Qatar,” he said.
According to him, most common illnesses during summer are gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, stomach flu, food poisoning and typhoid.
He said the unit is working on studies on communicable diseases like brucellosis (an infectious disease caused by bacteria), and antibiotic resistance bacteria. “Every member of the community should regularly receive preventive vaccines to ward off illnesses, and should ask their GP at primary healthcare centres for details.” The Peninsula
