Leprosy What is Leprosy? Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is a chronic, progressive bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the nerves of the extremities, the skin, the lining of the nose, and the upper respiratory tract. Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease. Hansen’s disease produces skin ulcers, nerve damage, and…
Leishmaniasis What is leishmaniasis? Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite. This parasite typically lives in infected sand flies. You can contract leishmaniasis from a bite of an infected sand fly. The parasite lives and multiplies inside the female sand fly. This insect is most active in humid environments during the warmer…
Hypertension What is hypertension? Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. A blood pressure between 120 and 129 mm Hg for the top (systolic) number and more than 80 mm Hg (diastolic) for the bottom number is considered elevated. Hypertension is a silent killer; 30% of Ghanaians are reported to have hypertension but…
HPV What is human papillomavirus infection? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that’s passed between people through skin-to-skin contact. There are over 100 varieties of HPV, more than 40 of which are passed through sexual contact and can affect your genitals, mouth, or throat. Some cases of genital HPV infection may not cause any…
Hernia What is hernia? A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Most hernias aren’t immediately life threatening, but they don’t go away on their own. Sometimes they can…
Hemorrhoids What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. About 50 percent of adults experience the symptoms of hemorrhoids by the age of 50. Hemorrhoids can either be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum. External hemorrhoids develop outside of the anus. Hemorrhoids…
Heartburn What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, behind your breastbone. It occurs when stomach acid travels back up your esophagus — the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. You may also experience a bitter taste in your throat or mouth. The symptoms of heartburn may get…
Guinea Worm What is guinea worm? Guinea worm disease, also called dracunculiasis or dracontiasis, infection in humans caused by a parasite known as the guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis). Historically a fairly common disease, affecting millions of people each year in the Middle East, India, and Africa, it is now relatively rare, isolated to just a…
Glaucoma What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage your optic nerve. The optic nerve supplies visual information to your brain from your eyes. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, the result of abnormally high pressure inside your eye. Over time, the increased pressure can erode your optic nerve tissue, which may…
Fungal Skin Infection What is fungal infection? Fungi live everywhere. They can be found in plants, soil, and even on your skin. These microscopic organisms on your skin typically don’t cause any problem, unless they multiply faster than normal or penetrate your skin through a cut or lesion. Since fungi thrive in warm, moist environments,…