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Hiv And Its Effects On Nigeria, Lower Respiratory Infections, And Hiv ( Cdc )

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As of 2013, the CDC listed that the top 3 causes of mortality in Nigeria are malaria, lower respiratory infections, and HIV (CDC, 2013). HIV is the third leading cause of deaths in Nigeria and account for 9% of all deaths (CDC, 2013). HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It can be contracted through the exchange of bodily fluids with another infected individual. In Nigeria, the spread of HIV occurs through high prostitution rates, unsafe sexual practices, blood transfusions, and through mother-to-child transmission. The second cause of mortality in Nigeria are lower respiratory infections. Lower respiratory infections (LRIs) are commonly caused by viral infections. The most common lower respiratory infections are bronchitis, pneumonia, and the chronic cough. In Nigeria, the contraction of LRIs can occur due to a poor standard of living including a lack of basic household amenities such as proper ventilation and running water. LRIs can also occur when the immune system is weakened such as those living with HIV/AIDS. The number one leading cause of death in Nigeria is malaria. In 2010, malaria was more prevalent in Nigeria than any other country in the world (CDC, 2015). Malaria is a parasitic infection spread through bites from the Anopheles mosquito. This mosquito is most commonly found in warm climates, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, where the parasite it carries can thrive. When this infected mosquito bites an individual, its
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