Editorial Team Coxsackievirus infection is an illness caused by a highly contagious group of enteroviruses, which belong to the Picornaviridae family. Enteroviruses are common worldwide and cause many different types of infections. In the United States alone, they are estimated to cause 10–15 million illnesses each year. The Coxsackievirus A and B groups are the most common, … Read more
Myocarditis is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause a wide range of symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, fever, and rapid or irregular heartbeats (called arrhythmias). Some people also develop swelling in the legs or feet (edema) or experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches or … Read more
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection of the digestive system caused by microscopic organisms called Cryptosporidium. The illness usually leads to watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, and loss of appetite. The parasite spreads through the fecal–oral route, meaning people become infected when they accidentally swallow food or water contaminated with feces. Common sources … Read more
Schistosomiasis is a long-lasting parasitic infection caused by blood flukes, small flatworms—from the genus Schistosoma. It is one of the world’s most widespread neglected tropical diseases. People become infected when their skin comes into contact with freshwater that contains the parasite’s larvae, called cercariae, which are released by infected freshwater snails. This exposure often occurs … Read more
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne illness caused by several species of Ehrlichia, a group of bacteria that must live inside human cells to survive. The main species that infect people are Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis. Infection occurs when an infected hard tick, most commonly the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and, in … Read more
Babesiosis is an infection spread by ticks and caused by Babesia parasites, which are tiny organisms (protozoa) that enter and destroy red blood cells. Many infected people do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they often resemble the flu and may include fever, chills, sweating, headache, body aches, and tiredness. Severe illness can cause … Read more
Endocarditis is a serious and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the endocardium, the thin inner lining of the heart. It is usually caused by an infection from bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. Although the condition is not common, affecting about 3 to 10 people per 100,000 each year worldwide, it has high health risks. Even with … Read more
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, double-layered sac that surrounds the heart and normally holds a small amount of lubricating fluid. This condition usually begins suddenly and is best known for causing sharp or stabbing chest pain. The pain may spread to the shoulder, neck, or back. It often gets worse when a … Read more
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This can cause muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Symptoms usually start in the legs and feet and can gradually spread to the arms, face, … Read more
Transverse myelitis is a rare condition in which the spinal cord becomes inflamed. It affects about 1 to 8 people per million each year. The inflammation is usually caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the spinal cord. Symptoms often begin suddenly and can worsen over hours to a few days. Common symptoms include pain, … Read more