The Zoonoses program is the interaction between humans and the environment, which according to the program coordinator, Betsi Noma Epse Dibongue Elisabeth is becoming complex by the day. Zoonoses can be described or defined as infections or diseases naturally transmitted between humans and vertebrate animals. There are approximately 1400 human pathogens, of which about 800 species are zoonotic.
Mme Dibongue, Principal Public Health Administrator, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the National Zoonoses Prevention and Control Program, a public health emergency management expert, is interested to know how communicators can handle content about zoonoses disease in an emmergency.
There has also been a growing interest on the part of the content editors on how to communicate on the prevention, the fight against emerging and re-emerging zoonoses in Cameroon, which remains a focus. The Classification of Zoonoses according to an etiologic agent are; viral, bacterial, parasitic, mycotic, or unconventional (prions).
Zoonosis is an infectious disease that has jumped from a non-human animal to humans. Zoonotic pathogens may be bacterial, viral or parasitic, or may involve unconventional agents and can spread to humans through direct contact or through food, water or the environment.
However some groups of people are at higher risk of getting zoonotic diseases. This include children younger than 5, adults older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems.
Children younger than 5 years of age have a higher risk of getting zoonotic infections. They often put their hands and other items in their mouths and do not always wash their hands well or often. The exposure to animals at petting zoos can be a risk.
Proper hygiene will include; Wash hands before and after animal handling objects. Do not eat or drink in the animal housing areas. Wear coveralls, farm-specific clothing, or laboratory coats when handling animals. Avoid handling sick animals. All of these measures are similar with Covid 19 preventive measures.
The mode of transmission can include direct contact, droplets, a vector such as a mosquito, a vehicle such as food, or the airborne route. The susceptible host has multiple portals of entry such as the mouth or a syringe.
It should also be noted that the Zoonoses program, being a new concept had the financial and technical support of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, who provided an opportunity for Bloggers and Content Editors to equip themselves on how best to communicate on Zoonotic diseases.
That work session was inline with the national program for the prevention and fight against emerging zoonoses diseases in Cameroon and the objective of the workshop was to get the interaction between humans and the environment.
However it is imperative for reporters across Cameroon to master basic ethics, principles on how to report on Zoonoses, for effective communication and to ensure great feedback.
The Zoonoses program is the interaction between humans and the environment, which according to the program coordinator, Betsi Noma Epse Dibongue Elisabeth is becoming complex by the day. Zoonoses can be described or defined as infections or diseases naturally transmitted between humans and vertebrate animals. There are approximately 1400 human pathogens, of which about 800 species are zoonotic.
Mme Dibongue, Principal Public Health Administrator, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the National Zoonoses Prevention and Control Program, a public health emergency management expert, is interested to know how communicators can handle content about zoonoses disease in an emmergency.
There has also been a growing interest on the part of the content editors on how to communicate on the prevention, the fight against emerging and re-emerging zoonoses in Cameroon, which remains a focus. The Classification of Zoonoses according to an etiologic agent are; viral, bacterial, parasitic, mycotic, or unconventional (prions).
Zoonosis is an infectious disease that has jumped from a non-human animal to humans. Zoonotic pathogens may be bacterial, viral or parasitic, or may involve unconventional agents and can spread to humans through direct contact or through food, water or the environment.
However some groups of people are at higher risk of getting zoonotic diseases. This include children younger than 5, adults older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems.
Children younger than 5 years of age have a higher risk of getting zoonotic infections. They often put their hands and other items in their mouths and do not always wash their hands well or often. The exposure to animals at petting zoos can be a risk.
Proper hygiene will include; Wash hands before and after animal handling objects. Do not eat or drink in the animal housing areas. Wear coveralls, farm-specific clothing, or laboratory coats when handling animals. Avoid handling sick animals. All of these measures are similar with Covid 19 preventive measures.
The mode of transmission can include direct contact, droplets, a vector such as a mosquito, a vehicle such as food, or the airborne route. The susceptible host has multiple portals of entry such as the mouth or a syringe.
It should also be noted that the Zoonoses program, being a new concept had the financial and technical support of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, who provided an opportunity for Bloggers and Content Editors to equip themselves on how best to communicate on Zoonotic diseases.
That work session was inline with the national program for the prevention and fight against emerging zoonoses diseases in Cameroon and the objective of the workshop was to get the interaction between humans and the environment.
However it is imperative for reporters across Cameroon to master basic ethics, principles on how to report on Zoonoses, for effective communication and to ensure great feedback.
Ndefru Melanie in Bamenda
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