What is Hib disease? Haemophilus influenzae type B (called “Hib”) is a serious disease caused by bacteria.  It usually affects young children under the age of 5 years.  Hib meningitis can cause permanent brain damage and can cause swelling in the airway and lead to suffocation.  Hib can also infect the lungs, blood, joints, bones and […]

What is group A streptococcal disease? Group A streptococci (GAS) are bacteria (germs) that are commonly found in the throat and on the skin of healthy people.  Occasionally, these germs can cause sore throat or skin infection. Much less commonly, GAS can cause severe illness called “invasive” GAS disease. What are the symptoms of GAS […]

Symptoms COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that emerged in late 2019. Reported illness ranges from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.  Symptoms of infection may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body […]

What is Clostridium difficile infection? Clostridium difficile infection also known as “C. diff,” is a diarrheal illness caused by the germ (a bacterium) Clostridium difficile. C. difficile can be found in the soil but it is also commonly found in the hospital environment. It can be found in the stool of people with infection and also in the stool […]

What is cholera? Cholera is a disease with diarrhea caused by the bacteria (germ) Vibrio cholerae. It is rare in the United States. How do people get cholera? It is spread by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with the bacteria. It can also be spread by eating contaminated shellfish such as oysters and clams. Shellfish become […]

What is chickenpox? Chickenpox, also called varicella, is a disease caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person.  It causes an itchy rash that looks like tiny blisters. The rash usually starts on the face, stomach, chest or back, and spreads to other parts of the body. A mild fever, tiredness, and slight body […]

What is botulism? Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin (poison) made by the bacteria (germ) Clostridium botulinum. There are 3 main types of botulism. All 3 types are uncommon in the United States: Foodborne botulism occurs by eating foods that contain the toxin Infant botulism (also called intestinal botulism) can occur in infants who eat […]

What is anthrax? Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacteria (germ) Bacillus anthracis.  These bacteria are found naturally in the soil and infections can occur in cattle and other domestic animals (sheep, goats, etc.).  It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.  The anthrax bacteria are very hardy and can live in […]