Infectious Disease

Coronavirus is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Prevention measures include staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing good hand hygiene, improving indoor ventilation, and staying home when sick.

 Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that spreads through respiratory droplets or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and a thick gray coating in the throat or nose that can cause breathing difficulties. Diphtheria is preventable through routine vaccination and good hygiene practices.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.  Influenza can cause mild to severe illness.  Influenza causes between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths per year on average.  The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.  

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the measles virus and spread through airborne respiratory droplets. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that spreads over the body. Measles is preventable through routine vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Meningococcal invasive disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections. Symptoms may include sudden fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and a distinctive rash. Prevention focuses on vaccination, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is caused by a coronavirus and primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals or camels. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues. Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with sick individuals and practicing good hand hygiene.

MPox is caused by the monkeypox virus and spreads through close contact with lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Prevention includes vaccination, avoiding contact with infected animals or people, and practicing good hygiene.

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus and spreads through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include swollen salivary glands, fever, headache, and muscle aches. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the primary prevention method.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and spreads via respiratory droplets. Symptoms include severe coughing fits, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Prevention is primarily through vaccination (DTaP/Tdap) and good hygiene practices.

Poliomyelitis (Polio) is caused by the poliovirus and spreads through fecal-oral transmission. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to severe paralysis. Vaccination is the most effective method of prevention.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through airborne droplets from an infected person. Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Prevention includes vaccination (BCG), early detection, and proper treatment of active cases.

Varicella (Chickenpox) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with lesions. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a characteristic itchy rash. Vaccination is the main prevention method.

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers are caused by a group of viruses, including Ebola and Marburg, transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, bleeding, and multi-organ failure. Prevention includes avoiding contact with infected individuals, using proper protective equipment, and safe handling of bodily fluids.