What is measles? Measles is a disease caused by a virus that spreads very easily from person to person. It usually lasts a week or two. Measles looks and feels like a cold or the flu at first. A cough, high fever, runny nose and red, watery eyes are common. A few days later, a […]

What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is caused by bacteria (germs) that are spread by tiny, infected black-legged (deer) ticks.  Both people and animals can have Lyme disease. Where do cases of Lyme disease occur? In the United States, Lyme disease most commonly occurs in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions and in the upper Midwest. […]

What is Legionnaires’ disease? Legionnaires’ disease is a pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. An outbreak of this disease among persons attending a state convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia in 1976 led to its name. However, it was not a new disease; the earliest documented case was in 1947. Although cases occur all year long, both […]

What is influenza? Influenza (the “flu”) is an illness with fever, headache, sore throat, cough and muscle ache, caused by the influenza virus (germ). “Seasonal” flu occurs every year, usually during the late fall and winter. Getting a flu vaccine can prevent seasonal flu, but because the virus changes each year, and the effect of […]

What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is any kind of inflammation (a reaction which can include swelling and pain) of the liver. Hepatitis has many causes, including viruses (type of germ), drugs, chemicals and alcohol, and even one’s own immune system attacking the liver. At this time, there are five viruses known to affect the liver in […]

What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. When the liver is inflamed, it can become swollen and painful. In severe cases of hepatitis, the liver can stop functioning, which can be life-threatening. Hepatitis has many causes, including viruses (a type of germ), drugs, chemicals, and alcohol. The body’s own immune system can even […]

What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. When the liver is inflamed, it can become swollen and painful. In severe cases of hepatitis, the liver can stop functioning, which can be life-threatening. Hepatitis has many causes, including viruses (a type of germ), drugs, chemicals, and alcohol. The body’s own immune system can even […]

What is fifth disease? Fifth disease is a mild childhood illness with a rash. It is called “fifth disease” because it was the fifth of a group of similar rash illnesses to be described. (rubella, measles and scarlet fever are also in this group.) Most cases of fifth disease occur in late winter or early […]

What are lice? Lice (singular louse) are tiny, wingless insects that survive by feeding on human blood. They cannot jump or fly, and they do not burrow under the skin. Adult head lice or their eggs (nits) are found in the hair and are most often found behind the ears and at the base of the […]

What is hantavirus? Hantavirus is a type of virus (germ) found in some rodents.  Some hantaviruses can cause a rare but deadly disease in people called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). How is hantavirus spread? The virus is carried by rodents, including mice. Infected rodents spread the virus in their saliva, feces, and urine. People are […]