Antibiotics are effective. The death rate is usually between 2 and 10 percent, but may be as high as 50 percent during epi­demics.

Sporotrichosis starts at the site of a minor skin wound caused by a briar, thorn, splinter, or a cut that is contaminated by vegeta­tion or soil. Barberry, rose bushes, sphagnum moss, and soil are most often associated with this infection in humans. A pustule or knot develops at the site three to twelve weeks later; the knot usually ulcerates to form an open sore. Subsequent knots develop in a linear pattern up the arm, following the lymphatic channels. These knots are lymph nodes, which sometimes soften and break open.

Antibiotics are effective, but the infection often clears up without treatment in two to four weeks. Death would be quite unusual except in rare, systemic forms.

The incubation period of seven to fourteen days is followed by the abrupt onset of symptoms-headache with fever, chills, nausea and vomiting and muscle aches. The illness lasts about 2 weeks, remits for a few days, then recurs for another two to four days. The disease may be accompanied by a rash, neck stiffness, yellow jaundice, and bleeding tendencies.

Most of those who develop leptospirosis recover, though the mortality rate may be high if jaundice sets in. Antibiotics may be useful if given early in the illness.

Only a small number of adults are susceptible to chicken pox. In urban areas, 85 percent of the population have had chicken pox by the age of nine and therefore are no longer susceptible. When adults get chicken pox they tend to be sicker than children who have it. Pneumonitis (lung involvement) is frequent in adults and usually, but not always, mild. Secondary bacterial infection of the rash can be a problem and may be caused by scratching.

These lesions usually occur in groups and may be of quite varied sizes within the group. The groin, genitals, and thighs are the sites most often involved in adults. The rash is seldom bothersome, but occasionally a bump may become inflamed and tender. Sometimes patches of eczema develop around the bumps.

Molluscum contagiosum is self-limiting and resolves spontan­eously. This may take months or years, however. Molluscum can be spread from person to person by direct contact.

Prevention Tips for MOLLUSCUM CONT AGIOSUM

Molluscum contagiosum is not highly contagious, but close skin contact with involved areas should be avoided. Abrasions may promote spreading of the virus.

Nicotine replacement therapy replaces the nicotine in your body. You still get nicotine, but you do not use tobacco. Nicotine replacement products help you cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms and come in several forms:

• Nicotine patches.
• Nicotine gum.
• Nicotine lozenges.
• Nicotine nasal spray.
• Nicotine inhaler.

Bupropion is a pill that your doctor prescribes. It does not contain nicotine. It helps you by reducing withdrawal symptoms, such as stress and anxiety.

Using nicotine replacement products or bupropion doubles your chance of quitting tobacco for good.

When you use tobacco, your body craves the nicotine it contains. Giving it up is much harder than simply changing a habit. It is hard to quit, but you can do it. You can quit by slowly reducing how much tobacco you use or by quitting all at once or "cold turkey".

There is no one "quit plan" that works for everybody. Often it's trial and error until something finally works for you. Using treatment can double or triple your chance of quitting.