Viruses
American Samoa Department of Health Immunization Division (ASDoHID)​

Immunizing and safeguarding our children and families

---

At a glance: ​  There are several immunization programs offered and provided by the American Samoa Department of Health Immunization Division (ASDoHID).  Managing Viruses is one of these programs.

Viruses

Viruses are small germs (pathogens) that can infect you and make you sick. They can infect humans, plants, animals, bacteria and fungi. Each one infects only specific types of hosts.​

1.​ Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause a variety of health issues, including warts and cancer

• Transmission
  HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can be transmitted even if the infected person doesn't have any signs or symptoms. 

• Treatment
  There's no cure for HPV, but it can be managed by a medical professional. Treatment focuses on removing warts. 

• Prevention
  The best way to avoid HPV infection is to get vaccinated before becoming sexually active. The CDC recommends that people who have had an HPV infection still get vaccinated. Other ways to prevent HPV infection include using condoms during sex and voluntary male circumcision. 

• Symptoms
  The most common symptom of HPV is warts on the genitals, skin, hands, fingers, elbows, feet, or face. Other types of HPV have no symptoms. 
• Types
  There are more than 200 types of HPV, which are categorized as low-risk or high-risk. Low-risk HPV types rarely cause cancer, but can cause warts. High-risk HPV types can cause several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and some types of oral and throat cancer. ​

2.​ Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), also known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic worms that are transmitted by infected mosquitoes

• Transmission
  Mosquitoes deposit larvae on the skin, which then enter the body and migrate to the lymphatic vessels. 

• Prevention
  The best way to prevent LF is to avoid mosquito bites. You can do this by using insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. You can also promote the use of bed nets. 

• Treatment
  The usual treatment for LF is diethylcarbamazine (DEC), a drug that kills the parasitic worms. However, the FDA no longer approves DEC in the United States because LF is rare here. 

• Impact
  LF is a neglected tropical disease that can cause disability, illness, and social stigma. It can also have a major economic impact on endemic countries. 

• Symptoms
  LF can cause a variety of symptoms, including: 
  • Bacterial infections of the skin or lymph system 
  • Swelling in the arms, legs, breasts, or genitalia (lymphedema) 
  • Swelling in the scrotal sac (hydrocele) 
  • Thickening or hardening of the skin 
  • Persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath ​

3. Baby Hearing

Babies have been hearing sounds since before birth, but their hearing is not perfect.  Hearing loss can affect a child's ability to learn speech and language. If you have concerns about your baby's hearing, you should speak with your child's pediatrician. ​

• Signs of good hearing
  Babies will show signs of good hearing as they develop:
  • 3 months: Babies recognize their parent's voice and calm down when they hear it. 
  • 6 months: Babies turn their head or eyes toward new sounds and repeat sounds. 
  • 12 months: Babies make babbling sounds, respond to their name, and may say a few words. 

• In the womb
  Babies hear their mother's heartbeat, digestive system, and voice. 
• After birth
  Babies can hear sounds from the outside world, and they respond best to high-pitched, exaggerated sounds and voices. 
• Hearing screening
  Most babies have their hearing screened before they leave the hospital. If your baby didn't have a screening, or was born at home, you should have a hearing screening done within the first month. ​