Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3
HUMAN HEALTH
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HUMAN HEALTH
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 3
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Grade code: B9.5.2.2.1
Strand code: 5
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: B9.5.2.2
Indicator code: B9.5.2.2.1
Theme: HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Subtheme: HUMAN HEALTH
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Fungal diseases are common in Ghana because fungi grow well in warm, humid conditions and can spread easily through close contact, shared items (combs, towels, clothing), overcrowding, poor ventilation, and poor hygiene. Many learners may have seen ringworm on the scalp or skin, thrush/candidiasis in babies or women, or itchy/red eyes due to fungal infection. Understanding fungal diseases helps learners protect themselves, support their families, and reduce stigma while promoting good health practices in school and the community.
A. Meaning of Fungi and Fungal Diseases Fungi are living organisms that are not plants and not animals. Examples include moulds, yeasts, and mushrooms. Some fungi are useful (e.g., yeast in bread), but some cause disease.
A fungal disease (mycosis) is an infection caused by fungi growing on or inside the human body. Why fungal infections are common Fungi grow best when there is: Warmth and moisture (sweaty skin, wet clothing, damp rooms) Poor hygiene (not bathing well, not drying the body) Crowding (hostels, crowded classrooms, shared beds) Weakened immunity (HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, long-term illness) Misuse of medicines (especially antibiotics or steroid creams without prescription) B. Nature/Characteristics of Fungal Diseases (What makes them “fungal”?) They thrive in moist areas of the body: between toes, groin, armpits, scalp, under breasts, mouth, vagina. They can be contagious: spread by direct contact or shared items. They often cause itching and skin changes: rashes, scaling, peeling, ring-shaped patches, cracks. They may be slow to clear and can return if treatment is not completed or hygiene is poor. They can be superficial or deep: Superficial: skin, hair, nails, mouth, vagina, outer eye surface. Deep/systemic (less common): can affect lungs or other organs, especially in people with weak immunity. C. Common Fungal Diseases for JHS3 (Indicator focus) We focus on: Ringworm (Tinea) Candidiasis (Candida infection) Fungal eye infections (Fungal keratitis/conjunctivitis)
1) Ringworm (Tinea) Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, scalp, or nails. It is not caused by a worm. Types learners may know Tinea corporis: body ringworm (ring-shaped rash) Tinea capitis: scalp ringworm (common in children) Tinea pedis: athlete’s foot (between toes) Tinea cruris: jock itch (groin) Mode of transmission (how it spreads) Person-to-person: touching infected skin/scalp. Sharing items: combs, brushes, hats/caps, towels, bedsheets, clothing, barber clippers not disinfected. From animals: infected cats, dogs, goats (touching fur/skin). From environment: walking barefoot on contaminated floors (bathrooms, changing rooms). Symptoms Itching Ring-shaped rash with raised edges (on body) Scaly, dry patches On scalp: patchy hair loss, broken hairs, dandruff-like scaling, sometimes swelling/pus (kerion) Effects/complications Secondary bacterial infection from scratching Scarring and permanent hair loss (severe scalp infection) Stigma, low self-esteem, school absenteeism Prevention and control Bathe regularly and dry the body well, especially skin folds. Do not share combs, towels, caps, clothing. Disinfect barbering tools; use clean clippers. Wash clothes and bedsheets; dry in sunlight. Treat infected persons early; complete medication. Keep nails short; avoid scratching. Treat infected pets (seek veterinary help).
2) Candidiasis (Candida infection) Candidiasis is caused mainly by Candida albicans, a yeast. Candida can live normally on the skin and in the mouth, gut, and vagina without causing disease. It causes infection when conditions favour overgrowth. Common forms Oral thrush (mouth) Vaginal candidiasis (women) Skin candidiasis (skin folds, diaper rash) Severe forms can occur in people with very weak immunity. Mode of transmission Not always “caught” from others; often overgrowth of normal Candida due to changes in the body. Can spread through: Direct contact (e.g., mother to baby during birth, breastfeeding if nipples infected) Sexual contact may contribute to spread between partners (especially recurrent cases) Risk factors (conditions that promote overgrowth): Recent antibiotic use (kills helpful bacteria) Diabetes Pregnancy HIV/AIDS or weakened immunity Tight, non-breathable underwear; staying in wet clothing Poor genital hygiene or harsh chemicals/douching Symptoms Oral thrush: white patches in mouth/tongue, soreness, difficulty swallowing (sometimes). Vaginal candidiasis: intense itching, thick white “curd-like” discharge, redness, pain during urination/sex. Skin folds: red rash, itching, sometimes small satellite spots. Effects/complications Discomfort, sleep disturbance Recurrent infections affecting wellbeing In severe immune suppression, infection can spread to bloodstream (medical emergency) Prevention and control Avoid unnecessary antibiotics; take only prescribed medicines. Keep body and genital area clean and dry. Wear breathable cotton underwear; avoid tight clothing. Control diabetes; good nutrition. Seek early treatment at a health facility; treat both partners if advised. Avoid sharing personal items (towels/underwear).