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
Helicobacter pylori infection is a common bacterial condition that affects the lining of the stomach. It is strongly linked to long-term inflammation of the stomach (chronic gastritis), peptic ulcers, and a higher risk of stomach cancers, including gastric adenocarcinoma and a rare type of lymphoma known as MALT lymphoma. The infection is caused by Helicobacter … Read more
Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue lining of the paranasal sinuses, a group of air-filled cavities located within the bones around the nose and eyes. Under normal circumstances, these sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that helps trap and remove dust, pathogens, and other particles. When the lining becomes inflamed, … Read more
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that causes inflammation and often severe pain. It usually develops when germs, most commonly the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, enter and grow inside bone tissue. The infection can spread to the bone through the bloodstream, from nearby infected tissue, or directly after an injury, surgery, or the use of … 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
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but very serious bacterial infection that spreads quickly and destroys soft tissues such as the skin, fat, and the tissue covering the muscles (fascia). Because of how rapidly it progresses and the high risk of death if untreated, it is considered a medical emergency. The infection usually starts after a … 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
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious disease of the lungs caused by hantaviruses. These viruses are mainly spread to people through contact with the droppings, urine, or saliva of infected rodents. The disease was first identified in the United States in 1993 during an outbreak in the Four Corners region. Since then, … Read more
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a serious viral disease that spreads to humans mainly through tick bites or contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals and people. It begins suddenly with high fever, headache, muscle pain, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can cause bleeding under the skin (petechiae), nosebleeds, and bleeding in … Read more