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
Epiglottitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which the epiglottis – a small flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing – becomes swollen and inflamed. This swelling can quickly block the airway, making it difficult to breathe. Because of this risk, the condition requires rapid diagnosis and emergency treatment to prevent … Read more
Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused mainly by two species, Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. It is found worldwide and is most dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. This includes individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS, people who have received organ or stem cell transplants, and patients taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as … Read more
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus, a common type of mold found in soil, decaying plants, dust, and indoor environments. Although more than 300 species of Aspergillus exist, only a few cause illness in humans, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most frequent source. The infection usually begins in the lungs, since people inhale the … Read more
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a fungal infection caused by breathing in tiny airborne spores from the fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. These fungi live in dry, sandy soil and are most common in hot desert regions. The spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by wind, farming, or construction. People … Read more
Peritonitis is a serious condition where the peritoneum, the thin, protective layer that lines the inside of the abdomen and covers most abdominal organs becomes inflamed. This usually happens when bacteria or fungi enter the abdominal cavity, which is normally sterile. It can occur if an organ ruptures, such as with appendicitis or a stomach … Read more
Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a tiny parasite called Giardia duodenalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia intestinalis). It is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide, with hundreds of millions of people affected each year. The parasite spreads when people swallow its hardy “cysts” (a protective form that survives outside … 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