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
Roseola, also called sixth disease or exanthem subitum, is a common viral illness that mainly affects babies and young children, especially those between 6 months and 2 years old. It is caused by two closely related viruses, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and, less often, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). These viruses belong to the same family … Read more
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that mostly affects babies and young children, although adults can sometimes get it too. It causes fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash that usually appears on the hands and feet, but can also show up on other areas of the body. The illness is … Read more
Chikungunya virus infection is an illness spread by mosquitoes and caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which belongs to the Togaviridae family of viruses. It is mainly transmitted by the bites of infected female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are most active during the day in tropical and subtropical regions. After being bitten … Read more
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral disease that affects both animals and humans, mainly in Africa and the Middle East. It is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus, which belongs to the same group of viruses that include other insect-borne diseases. The virus spreads mostly through the bites of infected mosquitoes, especially species … Read more
Avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) is an infectious disease caused by influenza A viruses that mainly affect birds, especially wild waterfowl and domestic poultry. Birds are the natural hosts of these viruses, but in rare cases the infection can spread to humans and other animals, including pigs and cats. Human cases are uncommon but … Read more
Swine flu is a type of influenza (flu) that usually affects pigs but can also spread to humans. It became widely known during the 2009 pandemic, when a new strain of the H1N1 virus spread quickly across the world and infected millions of people. The virus is mainly passed from person to person through tiny … Read more
Smallpox was a highly contagious and often deadly disease caused by the variola virus. It spread mainly through close contact with infected people, especially by breathing in droplets released when they coughed, sneezed, or talked. The virus could also spread through contaminated bedding, clothing, or surfaces. Without treatment, smallpox killed about 30 percent of those … Read more
Nipah virus infection is a serious disease that can spread from animals to humans. It is caused by the Nipah virus (NiV), which belongs to the Henipavirus group of viruses in the Paramyxoviridae family. The virus is naturally carried by fruit bats, especially those of the genus Pteropus. In humans, the illness can range from … Read more