Palau
Palau
Palau (pronounced /pəˈlaʊ/), officially the Republic of Palau (Palauan: Beluu er a Belau), is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is not a medical term, but it is relevant to the field of Tropical Medicine due to its geographical location and associated health issues.
Etymology
The name "Palau" entered the English language from the Spanish Los Palaos, via the German Palau. In English, the islands were originally called the "Pelew Islands". It is uncertain where the word "Palau" comes from; however, it may derive from the Palauan word for "village" or "island".
Health in Palau
Healthcare in Palau is provided by the Ministry of Health, with hospitals and clinics across the islands. The country faces health challenges typical of the Pacific region, including Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as Infectious diseases like dengue fever and leptospirosis.
Non-communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in Palau, accounting for a significant proportion of all mortality. The most common NCDs in Palau are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
- Cardiovascular diseases (pronounced /ˌkɑːrdi.oʊˈvæsk.jʊlər diːˈziːz/): These are a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. They include coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.
- Diabetes (pronounced /daɪəˈbiːtiːz/): This is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
- Cancer (pronounced /ˈkænsər/): This is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases are also a significant health issue in Palau. These include diseases such as dengue fever and leptospirosis.
- Dengue fever (pronounced /ˈdɛŋɡeɪ/): This is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms typically begin three to fourteen days after infection.
- Leptospirosis (pronounced /ˌlɛptəspaɪˈroʊsɪs/): This is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Palau
- Wikipedia's article - Palau
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