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Infectious Diseases
From the latest infectious disease news, treatments and therapies, inspiring patient stories, to expert advice, we're here to help you live your healthiest life every day.
THE LATEST
Rat Urine Is Spreading a Life-Threatening Bacterial Illness in Humans and Dogs
New York City city reported 24 cases of leptospirosis in 2023, the highest case count ever, and 6 so far in 2024.
By Don RaufApril 22, 2024Nasal Rinsing With Unboiled Tap Water Linked to Deadly Amoeba Infection
While tap water is safe to drink, it should always be boiled before being used for nasal rinsing to prevent serious infections.
By Lisa RapaportMarch 18, 2024What Is Blastomycosis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Blastomycosis is a rare infection caused by a fungus. Learn what it looks like on skin, risk factors, and treatment options.
By Becky UphamMarch 13, 2024Parrot Fever Surge Leads to 5 Deaths in Europe
The World Health Organization warns owners of pet birds to be cautious when handling birds or cleaning their cages.
By Don RaufMarch 12, 2024Candida Auris Fungus Infection: Symptoms, Spread, Treatment
C. auris, a new drug-resistant super fungus, is a growing threat. Learn more about fungus outbreaks and symptoms of fungal infection (candidiasis).
By Becky UphamFebruary 26, 2024First Fatal Case of Alaskapox Reported
Officials say the virus mostly infects small mammals, but that it may be spreading to a wider geographical area.
By Don RaufFebruary 21, 2024‘Zombie’ Deer Disease Is Spreading — and Experts Worry It Could Jump to Humans
The prion illness chronic wasting disease is similar to mad cow disease, and experts worry it could pass to humans.
By Don RaufDecember 28, 2023Mpox Concerns Return With Outbreak in the Congo and Rising Cases in the U.S.
Clade I, a highly infectious and deadly form of mpox, prompted the CDC to issue a health advisory.
By Don RaufDecember 13, 2023How to Know if That Rash Is Scabies
A rash with small, raised red spots that’s accompanied by persistent itching that gets worse at night may be scabies. The condition, which is caused when the human itch mite burrows under the top layer of skin, is contagious but very treatable.
By Joseph BrownsteinNovember 10, 2023Is It Safe to Get Multiple Vaccines at the Same Time?
Is it okay to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines together? What about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines? Learn about potential side effects and benefits.
By Becky UphamSeptember 13, 2023What Is the ‘Serious Bacterial Infection’ That Sent Madonna to the Hospital?
Madonna spent several days in the ICU for a bacterial infection after allegedly being found unresponsive. Untreated or antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to hospitalization.
By Lisa RapaportJune 30, 2023Foodborne Diarrheal Illness Cyclosporiasis Reported in 22 States, CDC Says
Cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness characterized by intense diarrhea after consuming food or water contaminated with human feces, are higher than usual this year in the U.S.
By Lisa RapaportJune 29, 2023Rare but Deadly Melioidosis Is a New Infectious Disease Threat
The CDC warns that bacteria linked to this illness have become endemic in parts of the U.S. Here is more on melioidosis symptoms and treatment.
By Don RaufJune 14, 2023HMPV, the Latest Virus Threatening Your Respiratory System
Human metapneumovirus is on the CDC’s radar after unusual surge this past spring. HMPV infection is similar to cold or flu with lots of coughing.
By Don RaufJune 01, 2023Why Are Vaccination Rates So Low for People of Color?
The reasons for America’s vaccination disparities are complex and deeply rooted. Here one expert tells what it might take to change the status quo.
By Sheryl Nance-NashMay 24, 2023New Studies Confirm Mpox Vaccine’s Effectiveness
Two doses of the Jynneos mpox vaccine prevent infection up to 86 percent of the time, and also offer protection against severe disease.
By Lisa RapaportMay 23, 2023What Is Smallpox? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Smallpox, a deadly and highly contagious disease caused by a virus, was eradicated in the late 1970s after global vaccination efforts. Its telltale symptom is a red rash that covers the body then develops into pus-filled lesions.
By Joseph Bennington-CastroApril 30, 2023What Is Babesiosis? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Babesiosis is a rare disease spread by ticks that are infected with a microscopic parasite. It can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills.
By Don RaufApril 24, 2023Drug-Resistant Fungal Infections Are on the Rise in the U.S.
The CDC said the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris is an ‘urgent threat’ for vulnerable people in the U.S., with cases tripling between 2019 and 2021.
By Don RaufMarch 23, 2023The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Disinfecting in a Germ-Filled World
Learn the best way to kill germs that can make you sick, from those in your kitchen and bathroom to those on your cell phone, bedding, or shoes.
By Becky UphamMarch 15, 2023