Diseases & Conditions

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…

Chronic lower respiratory disease, mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. While tobacco smoke is the primary cause, 1 in 4 people with COPD have never smoked. Air pollutants…

Let's eat! But this holiday season, let's eat safely. Don't let foodborne illness ruin your holiday plans.

Too many people don't know they have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). More than 1 million people are living with HIV in the United States, but 1 in 8 don't know they are infected.

Get SmartWhen you have a cold, mucus fills your nose, causing runny nose, congestion, and mucus to drip down your throat (post-nasal drip), which can cause a sore throat and cough. This mucus helps wash the germs from the nose and…

A Healthy BabyYou can protect your children from measles by making sure they are vaccinated on time. The vaccine is given as part of a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get the first…

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that is present from birth. Healthy red blood cells are round, and move easily through small blood vessels to carry oxygen throughout the body. However, in…

What to ExpectIllness usually begins with a fever and sore throat. There also may be chills, vomiting, or abdominal pain. The tongue may have a whitish coating, appear swollen, or look red and bumpy. Small, flat red blotches usually…

It once was the leading cause of cancer death for women in the U.S. Visit CDC's Disease of the Week to learn more!

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus. It is thought to spread mainly from person to person.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic neglected tropical disease (NTD caused by microscopic, thread-like worms.

Vaccination ScheduleFor best protection, children should get four doses of polio vaccine. This vaccine is given as a shot in the arm or leg and is extremely safe. Ideally, your child should receive a dose at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6…

Pay Attention to SymptomsSome medical conditions (such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes) and lifestyle factors (such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol or tobacco use) can increase your risk of…

Antibiotics Get You Well FastIf you have strep throat, antibiotics reduce your symptoms and the length of time you’re sick. Antibiotics may also prevent spreading the bacteria to others and prevent complications. Take the prescription…

Hospitalization, Surgery, and InjuriesInjury to a vein, often caused by fractures, severe muscle injury, or major surgery (particularly involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or legs), can increase the risk for developing blood clots. A…

Hemophilia health issuesPeople with hemophilia can have bleeding within joints that might lead to long-standing joint disease and pain, most commonly in the knees, ankles, and elbows. Bleeding might also occur in the head or brain, which…

Of cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in…

CO poisoning is preventable. You can protect yourself and your family by acting wisely in case of a power outage and learning the symptoms of CO poisoning.