Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by the Rabies virus, a type of RNA virus in the Lyssavirus group of the Rhabdoviridae family. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, it can be completely prevented if treated … Read more
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is spread to humans through the bite of infected ticks. It is one of the most dangerous tick-borne infections in the Americas and can be fatal if not treated quickly. The illness begins suddenly, with symptoms such as high … Read more
A spinal cord infection is a rare but serious condition in which bacteria, fungi, or viruses infect the spinal cord or the structures around it, such as the vertebrae (bones of the spine), discs between the vertebrae, or the epidural space (the area around the spinal cord). These infections can cause inflammation, pus-filled pockets (abscesses), … Read more
A brain abscess is a rare but serious infection inside the brain, where a pocket of pus forms as a result of bacteria or fungi invading brain tissue. Although it is uncommon, affecting about 1 in 100,000 people each year, it can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated quickly. The condition is more common … Read more
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop after an untreated or poorly treated Streptococcus pyogenes infection, commonly known as strep throat or scarlet fever. It mainly affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain. The condition occurs when the immune system, while fighting the strep bacteria, mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. This happens … Read more
Food poisoning is a common illness that occurs when people eat or drink food contaminated with harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, or with toxic substances they produce. It is a major global health concern, affecting people of all ages. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 600 million people, nearly one … Read more
Pyelonephritis is a serious type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects one or both kidneys. It occurs when bacteria travel upward from the bladder through the urinary tract and infect the kidney tissues. The most common cause is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria normally found in the intestines, responsible for about … Read more
Otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear, is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, the passage leading from the outer ear to the eardrum. It often occurs when bacteria or fungi multiply inside the canal, particularly after water becomes trapped in the ear following swimming or bathing. The moist environment encourages the … Read more
Dysentery is an intestinal infection that causes inflammation of the colon and leads to severe diarrhea containing blood and mucus. Other common symptoms include stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and a feeling that the bowels have not been completely emptied. The illness is usually caused by infection with either bacteria or parasites, which spread … Read more
Diarrhea is a condition in which a person passes at least three loose or watery stools in a 24-hour period. It is most often caused by infections in the intestines. Diarrhea can be short-term (acute), lasting less than a week, or long-term (chronic), lasting a month or more. It is a significant global health issue … Read more