Hepatitis A, B, and C are three distinct types of viral infections that affect the liver, each caused by a different virus and differing significantly in how they spread, their symptoms, severity, and long-term effects. **Hepatitis A** is caused by…
The yellow fever vaccine is often required or strongly recommended for travel depending on your destination, especially if you are going to areas where yellow fever is present or if you are arriving from such regions. Many countries in tropical…
Knowing if you have chikungunya involves recognizing a specific set of symptoms that typically appear after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The incubation period—the time between the bite and the appearance of symptoms—is usually between 2 to 10 days.…
Dengue fever is an illness caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The symptoms of dengue fever develop in stages and can vary widely from mild to severe, often making it tricky to recognize early…
The Zika virus can have profound and serious effects on pregnancy, primarily because it has the ability to cross the placental barrier and infect the developing fetus. This virus is transmitted mainly by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, but…
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is not always fatal, but it is a very serious illness with a high risk of death. The fatality rate of Ebola varies widely depending on the outbreak, the virus strain, and the quality of medical…
Smallpox is a serious and contagious disease that causes a distinctive rash and skin lesions, which have been well documented historically. When someone has smallpox, the first visible signs on the skin typically begin as small red spots called macules.…
Yes, you can still get polio today, although it is extremely rare in most parts of the world due to widespread vaccination efforts. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can cause…
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The illness typically lasts about 12 weeks but can vary widely depending on the individual and their age, vaccination status, and treatment. The…
Rubella, often called German measles, is generally a mild viral infection in children and adults, but it becomes significantly dangerous during pregnancy. When a pregnant person contracts rubella, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, the virus can cross the…