D2I2.
infection⚑ High burden in India

Noma

Noma is a rapidly-progressive and often-fatal gangrenous of the mouth and face. Noma usually begins as an on the gums and rapidly spreads into the jawbone, cheek, and facial soft . This is followed by death of the facial tissues and fatal . Survivors are left with severe facial disfigurement often with impairments in breathing, swallowing, speaking, and vision. In 2023 noma was added to the World Health Organization's list of neglected tropical diseases.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Facial , fever, of face

Causes — why it happens

  • ·Opportunistic

How it's found

  • ·Based on symptoms

Prevention

  • ·Adequate nutrition, oral hygiene

Treatment

  • ·, nutritional supplements, oral hygiene

Complications

  • · & death, facial disfigurement, difficulty eating/drinking, social stigma

Outlook

  • ·90% fatality rate without treatment

Test yourself

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4 quick questions on Noma. Tap an answer to check it.

1. Noma is a fast-spreading, often fatal infection of which area?
2. Noma mainly affects young children who have what?
3. Which helps prevent noma?
4. Without treatment, what happens with noma?
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.