Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) facts MERS-CoV is a type of coronavirus that spreads through respiratory secretions. MERS-CoV is a new novel coronavirus that caused severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) first identified in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. The infection appears to be the result of spread of the virus from camels to humans,...
What is meningitis? What causes meningitis? There are many potential causes of meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges or coverings of the brain. This serious illness can progress very quickly and have lifelong consequences. So, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. The most frequent cause of meningitis is...
Facts you should know about Marburg virus disease Share Your Story Picture: A woman with Marburg virus infection has a rash on her back; SOURCE: CDC Marburg virus disease is endemic in Africa (likely in African green monkeys and certain bats) and can be transmitted to humans. The disease can be transmitted from person to...
Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever (legionellosis) facts X-ray image of lungs of patient with Legionnaires’; disease Legionellosis is an infection that is caused by a bacterium. The bacterium thrives in droplets of water and moist conditions usually associated with water systems. The bacterium can infest an entire building. The illness takes two distinct forms: Legionnaires'...
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides 88% effective immunity against mumps following a two-dosage schedule (12-15 months with a booster at 4-6 years of age). A single mumps vaccination protects approximately 78% of individuals against the disease.Source: Getty Images Facts you should know about mumps (parotitis) Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection. Mumps has an...
Leishmaniasis facts Leishmaniasis is on the World Health Organization's list of "neglected tropical diseases." A parasite that spreads to humans through the bite of infected Phlebotomus sand flies causes leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis occurs in several temperate and tropical countries of Central and South America (New World), the Middle East, East Africa, and East Asia (Old World)....
What is a yeast infection? Typically, your doctor will prescribe an antifungal medicine to get rid of a yeast infection. The medication should resolve within one to two weeks. A yeast infection is an overgrowth of a yeast fungi called candida that are naturally present in the body. Candida fungi live in: The mouth The...
What are tapeworms? If you have tapeworms, you may not have any symptoms. You may also notice symptoms such as: nausea or diarrhea, abdominal pain, hunger or loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, weight loss, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and tapeworm segments visible in your bowel movements. If you get tapeworms in your system, you...
What is meningitis? Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the layers of tissue and fluid that cover the spine and brain. All types of meningitis cause these three symptoms – high fever, severe headache, and a stiff neck that makes it hard to lower the chin to the chest. Meningitis is an inflammation of...
What is E. coli vs. salmonella? E. coli and salmonella are both bacteria that can cause food poisoning. You can potentially catch pathogenic E.coli from infected animals or people whereas salmonella occurs in raw poultry, eggs, beef, and occasionally unwashed fruits and vegetables. E. coli and salmonella are both bacteria that can cause food poisoning....