Infectious Diseases
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers.
Learn details about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a debilitating condition marked by profound tiredness, regardless of bed rest.
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that causes an itchy, blistering rash and is easily spread to others.
The common cold leads to more healthcare provider visits and absences from school and work than any other illness each year. It is caused by a virus and is easily spread to others.
Detailed information on the most common infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, chickenpox, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold, diphtheria, E. coli, giardiasis, infectious mononucleosis, influenza (flu), lyme disease, malaria, measles, meningitis, mum
Detailed information on whooping cough, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Detailed information on diphtheria, including symptoms, transmission, treatment, and prevention
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory tract infection that spreads easily. It is caused by a virus.
Giardiasis is an infection. It is caused by a parasite called Giardia. It causes diarrhea.
At home or work, it's important to wash your hands often and correctly. Read on to learn how.
The immune system works to keep germs out of the body and destroy any that get in. It is made up of a complex network of cells and organs.
Malaria is caused by a parasite. It is passed to humans by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
Detailed information on measles, including symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment.
Infectious mononucleosis causes swollen lymph glands, fever, sore throat, and chronic fatigue.
Detailed information on mumps, including symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment
Detailed information on pets and infectious diseases.
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or chemical irritants. It is a serious infection or inflammation in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid.
Poliomyelitis is commonly called polio. It is an infectious disease. It is caused by 3 types of poliovirus. Polio is easily spread from person to person. The poliovirus is a virus that causes paralysis. But most people who are infected with polio have no symptoms and a few have mild symptoms.
Detailed information on prevention of infectious diseases
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick.
Rubella is sometimes called German measles. It is a viral infection. It usually causes a mild illness in children. Adults have a slightly more severe illness.
Salmonella is caused by the bacteria salmonella. Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhea in humans. There are many different kinds of salmonella bacteria.
Detailed information on the most common infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, chickenpox, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold, diphtheria, E. coli, giardiasis, infectious mononucleosis, influenza (flu), lyme disease, malaria, measles, meningitis, mum
Women suffer more frequent and severe symptoms from STDs. Some STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to both infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
Tetanus is a sometimes fatal disease of the central nervous system. It's caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium. The bacterium usually enters the body through an open wound. Tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a cluster of symptoms that involve many systems of the body. Certain bacterial infections release toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can spread to many body organs. This can cause severe damage and illness.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that often infects the lungs. Other organs, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain may also be affected.
The West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. The West Nile virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, and some other mammals. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected female mosquito.
Your little one will need several immunization shots to help protect them from several childhood diseases, some of which can be deadly. Read on for helpful advice on which shots they need and when--and what to do if they have a minor reaction.
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain. Meningitis can be caused by either a virus or bacteria. Bacterial meningitis may be life-threatening.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common infection of the nerves that is caused by a virus. It causes a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. This spiral shaped bacterium is most commonly spread by a tick bite.
Detailed information on the different types of hepatitis, including viral hepatitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
HIV affects the brain and nervous system and can cause dementia.
Opportunistic infections that other people might fight off easily could make you really sick if you have HIV. Getting one or more of these opportunistic infections could mean that your HIV has advanced to AIDS.
Pneumocystis pneumonia or PCP is a fungal infection in 1 or both lungs. It is common in people who have a weak immune system, such as people who have AIDS.
Skin conditions are common in people with HIV/AIDS. Many are caused by germs that take advantage of a weakened immune system.
We've come a long way in our understanding of HIV and AIDS. But there is still discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.
You will need to decide who to tell about your HIV status, and how to tell them. In some cases, you may be required to tell. In other cases it may be best to keep it to yourself.
A necrotizing soft tissue infection causes patches of tissue to die. It is a very serious and life-threatening condition needing immediate medical care.
Gangrene happens when blood flow to tissues is cut off. This causes the tissue to die.
One Escherichia coli strain that causes a severe intestinal infection in humans is known as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). It’s the most common strain to cause illness in people. It’s different from other E. coli because it makes a potent toxin called Shiga toxin. This toxin damages the lining of the intestinal wall, causing bloody diarrhea.
Ebola is a virus that causes problems with how your blood clots. Here's a look at the disease, from symptoms to treatment and prevention.
MERS is an illness that affects your respiratory system. Most cases of MERS are mild. But sometimes symptoms can be severe.
Chikungunya is caused by a virus carried by mosquitoes. The disease was first found in Africa and Asia, but recent outbreaks have been in the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It causes headache, stiff neck, and high fever.
Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and the tissue that covers it with the herpes simplex virus.
People who have AIDS are much more likely to get certain types of cancer than people without the disease.
As HIV and AIDS battle your immune system, your central nervous system is also affected. HIV and AIDS both cause many neurological complications, particularly if HIV goes untreated and is allowed to progress to AIDS.
A look at the 2 vaccines designed to help prevent meningococcal disease in preteens, teens, and young adults: MenACWY and MenB.
Chagas disease is caused by a parasite. It is transmitted to people through the feces of insects. It is common in South and Central America and Mexico.
Lymphadenitis is an infection in one or more lymph nodes. The lymph nodes help filter bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted material from the body.
Zika is a virus passed on through the bite of a mosquito. It may also be spread through sexual contact and blood transfusions.
2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus that causes a respiratory illness. Coronaviruses are a very common cause of bronchitis. They may sometimes cause lung infection (pneumonia).
Monkeypox is an illness caused by a virus. It can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and a rash with blisters that hurt.