Infectious Diseases

Detailed information on the immune system and how it works.

Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause a variety of infections. These include the common cold, conjunctivitis, and croup.

A detailed look at diphtheria, including symptoms, treatment, and a vaccination schedule.

Read on to learn all about fever and children--from symptoms and treatment to how to take your child's temperature.

Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can damage and destroy liver cells.

Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once a child is infected with the virus, the virus becomes inactive (dormant) for long periods of time. It can then become active at any time and cause cold sores.

Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a group of bacteria that can cause different types of infections in babies and children. H. influenzae most often cause ear, eye, or sinus infections. They also cause pneumonia.

Detailed information on HIV home care for your child

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are a group of viruses that cause different types of respiratory infections. They are more common in children and babies. But they can occur in people of any age, especially those with a weak immune system.

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.

Detailed information on infectious diseases in children

Detailed information on infectious diseases in children

Meningococcal infections are not common, but they can be fatal. They occur most often in late winter and early spring. Children are more often affected, but the illnesses also occur in teens and adults.

Mumps is a very contagious viral illness that infects the pair of salivary glands in front of the ears. Cases of mumps in the U.S. happen much less often since the mumps vaccine has been used.

One way to prevent the spread of disease from your pet: Feed your pet a balanced diet. Don't give your pet raw foods or allow it to drink out of the toilet.

Detailed information on prevention of infectious diseases

Polio is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. The virus is most known for causing paralysis. But very few children with polio develop paralysis. Read on to learn more about this condition in children.

Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms develop, it is often fatal. But a rabies vaccine, or a series of vaccines, given soon after contact with an animal infected with rabies can prevent the illness.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection. It’s spread by the bite of an infected tick. Learn details about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Roseola is a contagious viral illness. It causes a high fever and then a rash that develops as the fever goes away.

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes nausea and diarrhea. It is the leading cause of severe infectious diarrhea in children.

Rubella is a viral illness that causes a mild fever and a skin rash. It is also called German measles, but is not caused by the same virus that causes measles (rubeola).

Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It causes a red, blotchy rash. It’s a very contagious illness.

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease that causes a rash. It is caused by the same kind of bacteria that cause strep throat.

Detailed information on infectious diseases in children

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a serious skin infection. The infection causes peeling skin over large parts of the body. It looks like the skin has been scalded or burned by hot liquid. It’s more common in the summer and fall.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing (chronic) infection caused by bacteria. It usually infects the lungs. But the kidneys, spine, and brain may also be affected.

Tetanus is a severe illness of the central nervous system caused by bacteria. It's not contagious. It can be prevented by a vaccine.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

West Nile fever is an illness caused by a virus. The virus is spread by mosquito bites. It often causes mild, flu-like symptoms.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral illness. It is very contagious and can spread quickly. It can cause mild illness, severe illness, or death.

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.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a contagious illness. It causes intense fits (paroxysms) of coughing. It mainly affects babies and young children.

Fifth disease is a viral illness that causes a rash. It occurs most often in the winter and spring.

At home or work, it's important to wash your hands often and correctly. Read on to learn how.

Impetigo is a skin infection. When it affects just the surface, it’s called superficial impetigo. Impetigo can also affect deeper parts of the skin. This is called ecthyma. It may occur on healthy skin. Or it may occur where the skin was injured by a cut, scrape, or insect bite.

Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious illness. It’s common in teens and young adults.

Meningitis is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are usually spread by tick bites. Lyme disease is a year-round problem, but it peaks during the spring and summer months.

MRSA is an infection that can be life-threatening if it spreads from the skin to the lungs, the bloodstream, or other organs. MRSA infection can be hard to treat.

Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva. It is passed from a cat bite or scratch to a human. It can also result from a fleabite, but cats are the main source.

Campylobacter infection is a mild to serious digestive illness. It is caused by bacteria. Symptoms often include cramping, diarrhea, belly pain, and fever.

Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. Children with walking pneumonia may feel very tired and run down. But they may still be able to do many of their normal daily activities.

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can cause vaginal redness and swelling in teen girls. In teen boys it can cause painful urination.

Roundworm infection is a type of parasitic illness. This is an illness in which an organism lives inside the body of another creature. The worms live and grow inside the body and may cause symptoms.

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.

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).