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In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on infectious diseases and their impact on mortality patterns. In 1996, the World Health Organization reported that infectious diseases are the world's leading cause of death, killing over 17 million people every year. In British Columbia, infectious diseases, as defined in a recent Quarterly Digest article, are the fourth leading cause of death in B.C. with over 1,700 deaths per year. In general, infectious diseases mostly afflict groups of 'at risk' population namely, the very young, elderly and those with compromised immune systems. A rise in the province's 'at risk' population has resulted in the return of some of these diseases from the past and the emergence of new ones. Some of the most recently publicized infectious diseases in British Columbia are highlighted below. For a more detailed analysis of all infectious disease mortality, see "The Impact of Infectious Diseases on Mortality in BC, 1990-1997" by Z. Kashaninia, in Quarterly Digest, 8 (3), March 1999 on the Agency's website (http://www.hlth.gov.bc.ca/vs/stats/quarter/index.html).
CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (named after 2 German neurologists who separately described their patients with similar symptoms in the 1920s) is a rare neurological disorder caused by small proteins called prions. Prions seem to damage brain cells by making them swell and burst. This disease is sometimes referred to as "spongiform" disease since it causes the brain to develop holes like a sponge. The disease seems to attack the elderly population more than any other age groups and death usually occurs 3-12 months from onset. In 1995, a new kind of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease was discovered in cattle in some areas of Britain which was referred to as "mad cow disease." The disease produces the same symptoms in cattle as in humans. (Texas Department of Health, http://www.tdh.state.tx.us).
From 1990 to 1997, a total of 25 individuals died in B.C. as a direct result of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Out of the 25 deaths, 20 were over 60 years of age (8 males and 12 females). Six individuals died of some other causes but also had Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. TB is contagious and is most commonly spread by inhaling the germs from coughs of someone who has contracted the disease. Being exposed, however, does not mean that the person will definitely contract the disease. Only 10 percent or less of the people who are exposed to TB will fully contract the disease. These individuals are generally those in an immune compromised condition. (National Jewish Medical and Research Centre, http://www.njc.org).
From 1990 to 1997, 145 individuals (70 males and 75 females) died in the province directly from TB. Seventy-two percent of all the deaths from TB were in the age groups of 65 and over. During the same years, 297 (198 males and 99 females) died of some other causes but also had TB. Seventy-nine percent of these individuals were also in the age groups of 65 and over.
HEPATITIS
Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver. Alcohol, chemicals and drugs can cause hepatitis, however, the most prevalent type of hepatitis is caused by a virus. There are many forms of hepatitis viruses namely: A, B, C, D, E, F and G. With over 2 billion people infected worldwide, the World Health Organization regards hepatitis as a major health issue. (World Health Organization Report, Infectious Diseases).
Because the specific type of hepatitis is frequently not noted on the death records, Vital Statistics hepatitis data can only differentiate viral hepatitis "A, " "B, " other specified viral hepatitis (hepatitis C), as well as unspecified viral, chronic and unspecified hepatitis.
Between 1990 and 1997, 10 people died of hepatitis A in B.C. (7 males and 3 females). During the same period, nine individuals (7 males, 2 females) died of other causes but also had hepatitis A. Hepatitis B claimed more lives than hepatitis A; from 1990 to 1997, 125 people (90 males and 35 females) died directly from hepatitis B while 105 individuals (84 males, 21 females) died of another cause but also had hepatitis B at the time of their death. Other specified viral hepatitis (ICD codes 0704, 0705 which includes hepatitis C) claimed 70 lives (48 males and 22 females) for the same period. In addition, 92 individuals (61 males and 31 females) died of other causes but also had this type of hepatitis at the time of their death.
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