Zika virus is a disease spread mainly by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It became widely known in the mid-2010s because of its rapid spread across countries and the health problems linked to it. Besides mosquito bites, the virus can also be passed through sexual contact, blood transfusions, … Read more
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type … Read more
Dengue fever is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are most active during the day. It causes symptoms similar to the flu but can develop into a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. The virus has four closely related types (DENV-1 to DENV-4), so a person can catch dengue … Read more
Mumps is a contagious illness caused by a virus that mainly affects the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands located near the jaw. In more serious cases, it can also affect other parts of the body. The virus spreads through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can … Read more
Rubella, or German measles, is a contagious illness caused by the rubella virus, part of the Matonaviridae family. It most often affects children and young adults, but anyone who is not vaccinated can catch it. Symptoms are usually mild and may include a fine pink or red rash that starts on the face and spreads … Read more
Hepatitis is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed, meaning it is swollen and irritated. It can be caused by viruses that specifically attack the liver (called hepatotropic viruses), harmful substances such as alcohol or certain medicines, or by the immune system mistakenly attacking the liver (autoimmune hepatitis). When the liver is damaged, it cannot … Read more
Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It mainly affects children under five, though anyone can catch it. In most cases, people recover without lasting problems, but in a small number of cases, the virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing permanent paralysis—usually in the legs. In the most … Read more
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, most often Candida albicans. Candida is a type of yeast that normally lives on the skin and on moist surfaces inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, and genital area. In healthy conditions, it exists harmlessly alongside other microorganisms. However, if the … Read more
Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, usually in childhood, the virus stays inactive in the body’s nerve cells. Many years later, it can become active again and cause shingles. The condition is most common in older … Read more
Bacterial infections are a common health concern that affect millions of people worldwide (Bhattarai, 2021). They can range from minor skin infections to life-threatening illnesses, and can be caused by a variety of different bacteria (Rotstein, 2008). Bacteria are microscopic organisms that can live in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and the human … Read more