Marburg virus disease is a severe and often deadly illness caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the same virus family as Ebola. It leads to viral hemorrhagic fever, which means it affects the blood vessels and can cause…
Ebola virus disease (EVD) begins with signs that can appear suddenly and often resemble those of many other illnesses, making early recognition challenging. The initial symptoms typically include a **high fever**, which is one of the earliest and most common…
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily found in parts of Africa, Central America, and South America. While many people infected with yellow fever experience no symptoms or only mild illness, a significant minority develop serious…
Malaria diagnosis is a critical step in managing and treating this potentially life-threatening disease. The process involves identifying the presence of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, in a person’s blood. Since malaria symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses such as…
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, and currently, there is no specific antiviral medication that can cure the disease. Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and help the body recover…
The Zika virus can profoundly affect unborn children when a pregnant woman becomes infected. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes but can also be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Once the virus crosses the placental barrier, it…
West Nile virus infection can cause a wide range of symptoms, varying from no symptoms at all to severe neurological illness. Most people infected with the virus do not experience any symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they typically appear…
Polio prevention today relies primarily on widespread vaccination programs using two main types of vaccines: the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). These vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight poliovirus, thereby…
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can arise from various causes, most commonly infections, but also from immune system reactions or other less frequent sources. The brain, being a delicate and vital organ, can become inflamed when it…
Meningitis is a serious condition involving inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Recognizing its warning signs early can be life-saving because meningitis can progress rapidly and requires urgent medical treatment. The most common and classic…