disease of the week

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection, especially among young people ages 15-24 years. You can…

DrivingAfter alcohol, marijuana is the substance most often associated with impaired driving. Driving is a complex task that requires your full attention to stay safe and alert. Marijuana affects areas of the brain that control your…

Chikungunya is a virus spread to people by mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. Most people…

Ebola is a rare and deadly disease that was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in several African countries.

Mosquitoes Spread MalariaOnly Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria. When a mosquito bites an infected person, a small amount of blood is taken in which contains the malaria parasites. About 1 week later, when the mosquito bites the…

Here’s a type of hepatitis you probably haven’t heard of before. Like all types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis E is a disease that affects the liver. It is spread by ingesting fecal matter contaminated with hepatitis E virus, even in…

Triatomines Spread ChagasTriatomine bugs are a type of reduviid bug that can carry Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Triatomine bugs (also called “kissing bugs”) carrying T. cruzi are found in Mexico, Central…

Rodents can carry dangerous pathogens, like hantavirus. Hantaviruses are a family of viruses found worldwide. In the United States, deer mice and other wild rodents can shed hantavirus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. People can…

Vaccines for TetanusSeveral vaccines protect against tetanus. Since protection from tetanus decreases over time, CDC recommends tetanus vaccines for people of all ages. CDC recommends DTaP shots for babies at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, and…

Feeling Sick?A person with cyclosporiasis may begin to feel sick about 7 days after eating contaminated food. Symptoms may include watery diarrhea (most common), loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea,…

Listeriosis is a serious foodborne illness (sometimes called “food poisoning”). People usually become ill with listeriosis after eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The disease primarily affects pregnant…

Crohn’s DiseaseIn Crohn’s disease, inflammation can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract—from the mouth to the anus—but it most often affects the end of the small intestine where it joins the large intestine. Although patient…

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread through exposure to blood, often as a result of injection drug use. Less commonly, hepatitis C is spread through sex or from an infected mother to her…

Travelers Should Prevent Mosquito Bites and Sexual TransmissionTravelers who go to areas with Zika are at risk of being infected with Zika virus. Travelers may also be at risk of being infected with dengue or chikungunya virus. There is…

Know the SignsWhooping cough starts like the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe a mild cough or fever. But after 1 to 2 weeks, severe coughing can begin. Babies may not cough at all though. Instead, they…

How the Disease StartsFirst, a person may have pain, itching, or tingling in one area of the body. About 1 to 5 days later, a rash will appear in that area. The rash consists of blisters that usually scab over in 7 to 10 days and clear…

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Cigarette smoking is the #1 cause of lung cancer, but it also can be caused by using other forms of tobacco like pipes or cigars, breathing secondhand smoke, being…

Know Your RiskYou are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes if you have a parent, brother, or sister who has type 2 diabetes; are overweight; are 45 years or older; are physically active fewer than 3 times a week; or have ever had…

Norovirus is the leading cause of diarrhea and vomiting in the United States. The virus is very contagious and can spread quickly in closed places like long-term care facilities and schools. Lean more.

Arthritis includes more than 100 different conditions that affect joints and the surrounding tissue. The most common form of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis, followed by gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include…

Lupus is a chronic disease that can damage any organ. Although there are different types of lupus, the most common and well understood type is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Most of the information below refers to SLE. Lupus…

Anyone Can Get Type 1 DiabetesIt isn’t completely clear what causes type 1 diabetes, but we know that diet and lifestyle habits don’t. Type 1 is thought to be the result of an autoimmune response, where your body attacks the cells in…

Eat Right for HealthEat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Choose fresh, frozen, or dried fruit most of the time. For frozen foods, try lower sodium versions. Eat plenty of veggies like broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts,…

Inhale. Exhale. We do it every day, but some days it’s harder if you have asthma. Both kids and adults can go through repeated bouts of wheezing, trouble breathing, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. If you have…

Know the SymptomsTypical symptoms of RMSF include fever, headache, stomach pain, and muscle pain. A rash like the one pictured here may also develop, but is often absent in the first few days, and in some patients, never develops. Never…

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but…

Beware the blood suckers. No, not that kind! These are hard to see and can give you Lyme disease. Called nymphs, these tiny ticks can attach to any part of the body.

ALS Attacks Brain Cells Called NeuronsAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and fatal disease, attacking neurons that control voluntary movement. These neurons die over time. The result…

When you’re having fun outdoors, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun. Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays in as little as 15 minutes. Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection—UV…

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis A virus is found in the stool of people who are infected and can survive on surfaces for several months. Infection can occur when someone ingests the…

This common virus infects people of all ages, and most people infected show no signs or symptoms. However, it can cause serious health problems for unborn babies.

Could it be dengue?See your doctor if you recently traveled and develop a fever and with any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, rash, aches and pains (eye pain, muscle, joint, or bone pain) or any warning signs. Warning signs…

When to Talk to Your DoctorAs we age, our brains change, but Alzheimer’s disease is not an inevitable part of aging. Normal brain aging may mean slower processing speeds and more trouble multitasking, but routine memory, skills, and…

Recreational water illnesses are diseases that people can get from the water they swim and play in—like pools, hot tubs, water playgrounds, oceans, lakes, and rivers—if the water is contaminated with germs. The most common symptoms are…

Know the Signs and Symptoms of StrokeSigns of a stroke come on suddenly, such as sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side, sudden confusion, trouble talking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both…

Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common inherited causes of intellectual disability, which is a term used when there are limits to a person’s ability to learn at an expected level, and function in daily life. Fragile X syndrome…

Standing WaterControl mosquitoes inside and outside your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash…

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is common in infants and young children. It usually causes fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene to reduce your risk of…

Foodborne BotulismFoodborne botulism can be caused by a food that is not prepared or stored properly. In Alaska, foodborne botulism is often caused by traditional Alaska Native foods, including fermented fish, because of the way these…

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affects a person’s ability to move and keep balance and posture. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means…

Most people who get infected with non-polio enteroviruses do not get sick, or they only have mild illness. Symptoms of mild illness may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, skin rash, mouth blisters, and body and muscle aches.…

Development ChartThis development chart shows vulnerability of the developing baby to defects throughout pregnancy. Alcohol in the mother's blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause…

Don't get in over your head and ignore a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.

When to See a DoctorYou should see a healthcare provider if, along with pink eye, you have moderate to severe pain in your eye(s), sensitivity to light or blurred vision, intense redness in the eye(s), a weakened immune system, symptoms…

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. As it grows, breast cancer can cause changes in how the breast looks or feels. Different women have…

RSV Can Be SeriousFor most people, RSV infections are mild and clear on their own. But some people develop severe infections, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. People at high risk include very young infants, premature babies, young…

Healthy LifestyleHaving a healthy lifestyle can help children with ADHD deal with stress and difficulties in their daily lives. In addition to recommended treatments like behavioral therapy and medication, a healthy lifestyle, including…

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine…

Epilepsy Poses ChallengesMany adults with epilepsy face challenges including work limitations, difficulty finding transportation, and affording medical care. Students with epilepsy are more likely to have difficulty in school, use…

Causes of PneumoniaViruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus…