Plague is caused by a specific bacterium called *Yersinia pestis*. This tiny microorganism is the root cause of one of history’s most infamous and deadly diseases. The plague bacterium primarily lives in wild rodents such as rats, squirrels, and prairie…
Anthrax is contracted primarily through exposure to spores of the bacterium *Bacillus anthracis*, which can survive in the environment, especially soil, for many years. The ways people become infected depend on the route by which these spores enter the body,…
Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by *Clostridium tetani*, which produces a toxin affecting the nervous system and causing severe muscle contractions. The complications of tetanus arise mainly from the toxin’s effect on muscle control and the autonomic nervous…
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection primarily affecting the respiratory tract, caused by *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*. The signs of diphtheria typically begin to appear within 2 to 5 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe, depending on the…
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium leprae* that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Its impact on the body is profound and multifaceted, involving a complex interaction…
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is caused by a bacterium called *Rickettsia rickettsii*. This bacterium is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected ticks. The ticks act as carriers, or vectors, of the bacteria, passing it on when…
Lyme disease is treated primarily with antibiotics, and the exact treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the symptoms present. For most people diagnosed early, oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime are the standard and effective…
Rabies infection progresses through several distinct stages, each marked by specific symptoms and changes in the body. Understanding these stages is crucial because once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal without immediate intervention. The first stage after exposure to…
Hantavirus infection typically begins with symptoms that resemble the flu, making early detection challenging. The initial signs usually appear between one to eight weeks after exposure to the virus. Early symptoms include **fever and chills**, often with temperatures exceeding 101°F…
Lassa fever is caused by infection with the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family. This virus is primarily transmitted to humans from a natural animal reservoir, the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), which is common in West Africa. These…