Encephalitis is a serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed (swollen and irritated). It is most often caused by viral infections, but it can also result from autoimmune reactions, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own brain cells. In rare cases, encephalitis can occur due to tumors or as a side effect … Read more
Bronchitis is a condition in which the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs (called the bronchial tubes) become inflamed and swollen, making it harder to breathe. It can be short-term, called acute bronchitis, or long-term, known as chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses such as the common cold or … Read more
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a serious lung infection caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It was first discovered in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and mainly occurs in countries in or connected to the Arabian Peninsula (such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman). The disease is considered dangerous because it … Read more
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a viral disease caused by the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). The virus mainly infects rodents, especially the common house mouse (Mus musculus), and can spread to humans through contact with infected rodents or their waste. The illness can range from mild, flu-like symptoms to more serious brain and nervous system problems, … Read more
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It spreads to humans mainly through the bite of an infected tick. The illness usually develops in two stages. The first stage causes mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache, and muscle pain. The second stage can be more serious, … Read more
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection that causes swelling of the brain. It spreads to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly Culex mosquitoes. The virus, known as the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), is commonly found in a cycle between mosquitoes, pigs, and wild waterbirds. These animals act as natural hosts for the … Read more
Powassan virus is a rare but serious illness spread to humans through the bite of infected ticks, especially the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Many people who get the virus do not develop any symptoms. However, some may become sick, showing mild symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. In severe cases, the virus can … Read more
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that belongs to the herpes family. It can infect people of any age and usually does not cause symptoms in healthy individuals. However, it can lead to serious illness in people with weakened immune systems such as those who have received organ transplants or have HIV/AIDS and in babies … Read more
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and easily spread virus that infects the lungs and airways. It is a major cause of respiratory illness around the world, especially in infants and young children, but it can also affect older adults and people with weak immune systems. Almost all children come into contact with RSV … Read more
Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum or “slapped cheek syndrome,” is a common viral illness caused by parvovirus B19. This virus infects only humans and is one of the five classic childhood rash illnesses, along with measles, scarlet fever, rubella, and roseola. The infection is found worldwide and often appears during late winter and … Read more