Infectious Disease Health Center

Adenovirus infections are common and often have no symptoms. Adenoviruses cause illnesses like bladder infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, bronchitis, pinkeye, colds, encephalitis, sore throat, and meningitis. Symptoms of an adenovirus infection depend on the type of virus causing the infection.

Adenovirus infection, particularly Ad14, or the "killer cold virus" has been on the increase in the past two years. Symptoms range from those experienced with colds, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, pinkeye, fever, bladder infection, and neurological conditions. Diagnosis and treatment options need to be discussed with your physician.

Amebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica) is an infection caused by an amoeba. Symptoms include bloody stools, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and gas. Treatment may involve taking luminal agents or antibiotics. Surgery may be indicated for various reasons.

Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) is a deadly infectious disease that may be transmitted to humans by infected animals or by biological warfare. There are three types of anthrax: cutaneous, inhalation, and gastrointestinal.

Antibiotics are medications used to kill or slow the growth of bacteria and some fungi. The definition of antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to change (mutate) and grow in the presence of a drug (an antibiotic) that would normally slow its growth or kill it.

The parasite <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> causes ascariasis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, fever, and passage of parasites and eggs in the stool. Treatment involves taking oral medications for one to three days.

Aspergillus (Aspergillosis) is a fungal infection. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, bloody sputum, difficulty breathing, and chest and/or joint pain.

<i>Balamuthia mandrillarisis</i> is an ameba that lives in dust and soil. Signs and symptoms of <i>Balamuthia</i> include fever, nausea and vomiting, light sensitivity, headache, stiff neck, and headaches. There are various diagnostic tests and medications that treat <i>Balamuthia</i> infection.

Bioterrorism is a form of terrorism where there is the intentional release of biological agents such as viruses, germs, or bacteria. Diseases caused by bioterrorism agents include anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox, tularemia, brucellosis, food poisoning, Q fever, ricin toxin poisoning, cholera, epidemic typhus, viral encephalitis, XDR TB, and MDR TB.

Bird flu (avian flu, avian influenza) infection in humans may result from contact with infected poultry. There is a vaccine to prevent human infection with the H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus.

Bocavirus infection (HBoV, human bocavirus) is usually only found in those with lower respiratory infections or diarrhea. Symptoms include cyanosis, cough, wheezing, runny nose, vomiting, and fever. There is no treatment that effectively targets the bocavirus strain.

Botulism is an illness caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium <i>Clostridium botulinum</i>. There are three types of botulism: food-borne, wound, and infant. Symptoms include muscle paralysis, dry mouth, constipation, slurred speech, and blurred vision. If food-borne and wound botulism are detected early enough, they may be treated with an antitoxin.

Bourbon virus is a tick-borne disease that causes symptoms that include fever, rash, headache, vomiting, and nausea. The Lone Star tick transmits Bourbon virus to humans.

<i>Naegleria fowleri</i> is an amoeba found in freshwater and soil. Infection results when the amoeba enters the nose and travels to the brain and spinal cord, causing primary amebic meningoencephalitis, which destroys brain tissue.

The bacteria <i>Brucella</i> causes brucellosis, an infectious zoonotic disease in humans. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, sweating, and appetite loss. The preferred treatment is doxycycline and rifampin taken for 6 to 8 weeks.

Microcephaly in children is a rare condition. Some children with microcephaly are both with normal intelligence and have normal developmental milestones, but their heads will always be smaller than normal children for their age and sex. Even in such cases, a regular follow-up with the doctor is advised.

Unvaccinated adults that have not had the disease before can get infected by rubella. Symptoms in adults are usually mild, though some may develop severe complications.

COVID-19 has become a common illness that affects many people. Learn the signs of COVID-19, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.

Lyme disease can be detected by tests that look for antibodies in the blood. Learn more about Lyme disease testing, stages, and symptoms.

Learn what medical treatments can help ease mastoiditis and speed your recovery.

What are scarlet fever and rheumatic fever? Learn the signs of these fevers, whether they are related, and how to treat them.

Silver leaf disease is an extremely rare infection caused by the plant pathogen Chondrostereum purpureum. Learn the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of silver leaf disease.

Strep throat generally goes away on its own in three to five days; however, antibiotics are still typically prescribed to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Yeast infections are not always contracted through direct contact; it is possible to pass Candida overgrowth by kissing or oral sex.

Learn what medical treatments can help ease your TB symptoms and help you manage this condition.

Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system.

Yes, an individual may get rid of MRSA completely by following the prescription given by doctors strictly. MRSA can be treated with powerful antibiotics, nose ointments, and other therapies.

Yes, you can get shingles if you have had chickenpox in the past. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, and who should get the Shingrix vaccine.

People typically recover within a few weeks from mild cases of botulism poisoning, whereas it can prove fatal in more serious cases or when left untreated. Check out the center below for more medical references on botulism, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Rat lungworm rarely results in death; however, severe infections can be life-threatening. Check out the center below for more medical references on infections, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

As per the public health department, hepatitis C is not considered transmissible through food. Studies show that patients with hepatitis C may not be required to be barred from any job including working in the kitchen. However, you should take extra precautions and be extra hygienic.

The bacteria <i>Capnocytophaga canimorsus</i> is common in the mouths of cats, people, and dogs. People with weak immune systems are at risk for contracting <i>Capnocytophaga</i> infections. Antibiotics can kill this bacteria.

Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis, kissing bug) is an infection caused by the <i>T. cruzi</i> parasite. Symptoms of Chagas disease include rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and the Roma&ntilde;a sign. An ELISA test is used to diagnose Chagas disease.

Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation period of 14 to 16 days and include a couple days of mild fever, weakness, and red, raised rash that progresses to blisters that eventually burst and crust over. Complications include bacterial infection of the open sores, scarring, encephalitis, nerve palsies, and Reye's syndrome.

Chikungunya virus infection is transmitted to humans from an infected mosquito. Symptoms of Chikungunya virus infection include joint pain, headache, rash, and fever. There is no drug or vaccine available to treat or prevent Chikungunya virus infections.

Cholera is an infectious disease characterized by intense vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea that rapidly leads to dehydration and often death. Cholera is caused by infection with the bacteria <i>Vibrio cholerae</i>, which may be transmitted via infected fecal matter, food, or water.

Chronic inflammatory response syndrome occurs when a person is exposed to toxins. Check out the center below for more medical references on toxins, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Coxsackieviruses are RNA viruses that may cause hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), as well as disease of muscles, lungs, and heart. The most common symptoms of coxsackievirus infections are initially fever, a poor appetite, and respiratory illness, including sore throat, cough, and malaise (feeling tired).

CRE infection (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) is a type of bacteria that is highly resistant to antibiotics. <i>Escherichia coli</i> (<i>E. coli</i>) and <i>Klebsiella</i> are common types of Enterobacteriaceae that can be found in the human intestines.

Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by the Cryptococcus fungus. Cryptococcus is spread through inhalation of airborne fungi. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, altered mental status, coughing, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends upon the severity of infection and the health status of the patient.

<i>Cyclospora cayetanensis</i> is a parasite that causes infection when humans ingest food contaminated with feces from an infected individual. Symptoms include profuse diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, cramping, and fatigue. A 7-day course of Bactrim or Septra is the standard treatment for cyclosporiasis.

Cysticercosis is an infection caused by <i>Taenia solium</i>, the pork tapeworm. Symptoms include seizures, lethargy, nausea and vomiting, headache, vision changes, weakness, and confusion. Treatment may incorporate anthelmintics, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and/or surgery.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a virus that is spread from person to person via body fluids. Symptoms of cytomegalovirus include fatigue, swollen glands, fever, and sore throat. Infants born to mothers infected with cytomegalovirus during pregnancy may develop congenital CMV infection.

The major difference between dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is that the latter is a severe form of dengue that occurs in a person with dengue infection.

<p>Diphtheria is a disease that causes symptoms and signs such as fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and swallowing problems. Erythromycin is the primary treatment for diphtheria. Vaccines that prevent diphtheria include the DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td.</p>

Tetanus is a serious disease that can cause severe complications, such as death. Hence, it’s best to prevent it with booster shots even as adults.

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful rash forming along the path of one spinal or brain nerve. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people over 50 receive two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV).

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is also called German measles or three-day measles. While rubella infection symptoms are mild, they are more severe for pregnant women.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola virus disease) is an often-fatal disease that causes fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, stomach pain, rash, and red eyes. There is no standard treatment for Ebola virus.

Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that causes sudden fever, vomiting, headache, light sensitivity, stiff neck and back, drowsiness, and irritability. Treatment may incorporate anticonvulsants and antiviral medications.

Enterovirus (non-polio enterovirus infection) cause a variety of infections including the common cold, aseptic meningitis, herpangina, and hand, foot, and mouth disease. Symptoms of enterovirus infection include hypoxia, eye pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common cause of mononucleosis (viral pharyngitis). Symptoms of an EBV infection include swollen lymph nodes, fever, rash, sore throat, malaise, and a swollen liver and/or spleen.

Giardiasis (<i>Giardia lamblia</i>) is a parasite responsible for a common form of infectious diarrhea. People at risk for giardiasis are those that live in areas where there is inadequate sanitation or treatment of drinking water. Giardiasis also is a common cause of outbreaks of diarrhea in day-care centers. Symptoms and signs of giardiasis include abdominal pain, stomach cramping, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.

Green poop is a common issue, but sometimes it's a sign of infection. Learn green stool's signs, causes, and treatment options. Black poop is usually a common condition, but may signify underlying medical conditions.

Group B strep infection are from bacteria called <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i> that may sometimes cause infections both in a pregnant woman and her baby. Symptoms include fever, seizures, heart rate abnormalities, breathing problems, and fussiness. Intravenous antibiotics are used to treat group B strep infections.

Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori infection occurs when H. pylori bacteria infects the lining of the stomach. H. pylori are responsible for 80% of gastric ulcers and 90% of duodenal ulcers. H. pylori infection can continue throughout life without any symptoms.

Hand, foot, and mouth syndrome is a clinical pattern consisting of a rash on the hands and feet, and in the mouth. Hand, foot, and mouth syndrome are caused by various viruses, including several types of Coxsackieviruses. Other symptoms include sore throat, decreased appetite, irritability, and (or) fever.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS, orthohantavirus) is a disease transmitted by rodents. Symptoms include fever and muscle pain. Hantavirus can be prevented by sealing up rodent entry holes, trapping rats and mice with an appropriate snap trap, and cleaning up rodent food sources.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV, hep B) is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. Hepatitis B infection is transmitted through sexual contact, contact with contaminated blood (shared needles), and from mother to child. Hepatitis B is not spread through food, water, or casual contact. Injury to the liver by the hepatitis B virus is caused by the body's immune response as the body attempts to eliminate the virus.

Herpangina is a contagious illness often seen in children. It is caused by a Coxsackievirus or an enterovirus. Symptoms include mouth sores, fever, and sore throat. Treatment focuses on alleviating fever and pain with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. It is important for children to stay well hydrated, as children may be resistant to eating or drinking.

Herpangina and HFMD are viral infections that are common during childhood years. The most common cause of herpangina is Enterovirus. HFMD is caused mainly by the Coxsackievirus. In recent types, a strain of coxsackievirus had been implicated in herpangina as well.

Histoplasmosis (cave disease) is a disease caused by a fungus called <i>Histoplasma capsulatum</i>. The symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia and include chest pain, fever, and sweats. Antifungal medications are used in treatment.

Antibodies are created when your immune system reacts to toxins, pollen, and infectious organisms. Your body is constantly making antibodies. There are different kinds of antibodies, but all are necessary to the immune system to fight foreign bacteria and viruses.

The common cold is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. There is no cure for the cold while breastfeeding, so you’ll need to give it time to clear up.

Any seasonal change invites viral infections. Children, old people, and those with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to various kinds of viral illnesses. Viral infection may last for only 1-2 weeks. However, the symptoms may interrupt your daily routine making you want to get rid of the virus immediately.

Tapeworms are the flatworms that live in the human digestive tract. If you suspect you might have tapeworms, you need to visit a doctor for stool sample analysis, a blood test, and imaging tests.

Dogs and puppies are ideal hosts for worms and other parasites. If your puppy is losing weight and has diarrhea and/or vomiting, then consult a vet to confirm the type of worm. Depending on the type of worm, your vet will suggest the test and treatment.

Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The difference between chickenpox and shingles is that chickenpox usually occurs first, and shingles are a result of a reactivation of chickenpox later on.

What are tapeworms? Learn the signs and symptoms of this parasite. Learn what medical treatment works best to get rid of tapeworms and speed up your recovery from tapeworms.

Tapeworms are parasitic worms that find their way into your body and live in your digestive system. Get a tapeworm out of your body by taking antiparasitic medications.

Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) can be caused by direct or indirect contact with infected people and most often occurs in hospital settings. Learn about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of ECC infections. Check out the center below for more medical references on infectious diseases, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Enterococcus faecalis is a bacteria that lives in your gut and is spread through fecal-oral transmission. Learn about how to prevent infection.

You can get infected with Serratia marcescens through contact with contaminated hospital equipment and direct contact with infected people or objects. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Check out the center below for more medical references on infectious diseases, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Learn what medical treatments can ease a yeast infection in your mouth, ease the symptoms of oral thrush, and speed up your recovery.

Bronchitis is swelling of airways mostly due to a virus. Rarely, bacteria or fungi can also be the reason. Swelling in bronchial tubes may restrict air to and from your lungs. It typically causes a bad cough, chest discomfort, and fatigue. You may need to consult a doctor to distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia.

There is no medication to treat guinea worm disease or a vaccine to prevent infection. Treatment can only begin when the wound is formed on the skin and the adult worm emerges through it. Treatment involves removing the worm manually by a healthcare professional. When a part of the worm begins to emerge out of the wound, a stick is placed around the wound.

Hot tub folliculitis, also called jacuzzi folliculitis or spa pool folliculitis, is a skin condition arising within hours to a few days after bathing with warm water in a jacuzzi, spa pool or warm water swimming pool. The infection is generally caused by a bacterium called staph or staphylococcus aureus.

E. coli and salmonella are both bacteria that can cause food poisoning. What is the difference between E. coli and salmonella?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections spread when people are exposed to contaminated water or soil. Check out the center below for more medical references on infections, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. The impact of hepatitis C on lifespan is dependent on how the disease progresses and the effectiveness of timely treatment.

Listeria is a food-borne illness caused by eating contaminated food. Check out the center below for more medical references on infections, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Clostridium difficile (C diff) infection typically resolves within two weeks of starting antibiotics, however, many people become reinfected one to three weeks afterward.

E. coli is one of the most common bacterial causes of illnesses in the US. Since it lives in the intestines, E. coli leaves the body through fecal matter, from either humans or animals. In most cases, E. coli goes away without any medical treatment.

Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a contagious infection most commonly caused by a herpes virus called Epstein-Barr (EBV). Teenagers and young adults are more commonly affected by mononucleosis.

What is measles, and what does the measles rash look like? Learn the signs of measles and how measles is treated.

The effects of the Shingrix vaccine, which provides protection against shingles, last for at least four years in most people and may last even longer in some.

Type B flu symptoms typically last about 5-7 days, although they may go away sooner if you have been vaccinated. Learn about flu symptoms, spread, treatment, and when to seek medical help. Check out the center below for more medical references on the flu, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

After exposure to the virus, someone with mono can be contagious for months, even before symptoms start and after symptoms subside.

Shingles is contagious from the time the blisters are oozing until the time the blisters have scabbed.

Depending on the severity of your UTI, you may need to take a 3-day, 7-day or even 2-week course of antibiotics. Since the bacteria causing your UTI can stay in your body even after symptoms are gone, it’s important to finish your entire course of antibiotics.

Deworming means eliminating intestinal parasites from the body through the use of medication. Learn how often you should deworm, as well as the symptoms, treatment, and how to stop spread of intestinal worms.

While rhinovirus infections are highly contagious, they rarely lead to life-threatening complications. However, rhinoviruses are often fatal for high-risk cancer patients.

A Staphylococcus or staph infection is caused by a germ that may be found in 30% of healthy people’s noses. Most of the time, these bacteria do not cause any health problems. However, in some people, it may cause skin and other organ infections. Most often, staph causes minor skin infections such as a boil. However, if it enters into your bloodstream and other organs, it may turn out to be deadly.

The typical symptoms of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are not usually severe; however, the virus can cause more serious illnesses in some people.

Generally, mono (or mononucleosis) isn’t a serious condition and resolves with proper care and management. However, the complications of mono can prove to be fatal. The symptoms may range from mild to severe and may prevent you from performing day-to-day activities.

Lockjaw, also known as trismus, is a condition in which a person is unable to open their jaws fully. Spasm in jaw muscles make the jaws rigid and prevent movement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge-like joint in the jaw that enables jaw movement.

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is not always the same as polio despite their similarities, such as causing paralysis and typically affecting children.

Cervical lymphadenopathy is not considered a serious condition in itself; however, it may point to certain infections and some types of cancer.

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox is highly contagious. In a household where an individual gets chickenpox, 90% of people in a household will become infected. Vaccination protects against this transmission.

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria <i>Vibrio cholerae</i>. It's typically transmitted via infected fecal matter. Cholera causes frequent bouts of vomiting and watery diarrhea.