BIE299-11 Global Perspective of Infectious Disease

Hyperhemoptysis is the new disease I have come up with. The host is the variable flying fox bat, and this infects humans and other primates. The symptoms of this disease are just what the name implies- excessive coughing. Those infected with Hyperhemoptysis not only have a harsh cough, but that cough could include blood and mucus. Other symptoms include build up of tonsil stones, nausea, vomiting, and excessive mucus build up. The genome of this bacteria is RNA and because of this the disease is able to take over a new cell very quickly. Hyperhemoptysis is an airborne disease and this means it is transmitted when an uninfected person is coughed on, sneezed on, or has other close contact with an infected person. Because of this the disease is very easily transmittable and therefore very dangerous and hard to contain. The host usually lives around 7-14 days with the disease and if the symptoms do not show any signs of clearing up then the infected person usually succumbs to the disease. Many people die from hyperhemoptysis due to the fact that the coughing is very harsh and persistent. Those with hyperhemoptysis die from dyspnea, or shortness of breath and this is because while the patient is continuously coughing, he or she cannot get enough oxygen into their lungs. Although this disease is very dangerous, there is hope. Being put on a ventilator seems to be helpful because while the machine is breathing for you, medicine such as Guaiphenisin to loosen and clear the mucus from your lungs. Once the patient has very little mucus, the coughing slowly subsides, and the patient can be taken off the ventilator.