Yaws is an infectious disease that mainly occurs in the tropical areas of South and Central America, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pertenue, which causes lesions that look like bumps on the skin of the feet, hands, face, and genital area. Yaws is treated with …

Adenitis, a general term for lymphadenitis, is an inflammation of the lymphatic system that results in the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes due to an infection. Adenitis, a general term used to refer to lymphadenitis, means inflammation of the lymphatic system. Lymphadenitis is an enlargement in one or more lymph nodes, usually due to an infection, and is …

Facts you should know about West Nile virus Picture of a mosquito transmitting West Nile virus to a human West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus capable of causing disease in humans. Symptoms and signs of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Severe symptoms and signs may include stiff neck, sleepiness, disorientation, …

Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a disease caused by the inhalation of the Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii fungus. Symptoms are flu-like and resolve over two to six weeks. Infection typically requires no treatment, though there are many antifungal drugs to treat valley fever. Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a disease caused by fungi (Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii species) that in …

Baby ear infection symptoms can include signs of irritability, tugging on the ears, an unpleasant smell and discharge coming from the ears, and more. Learn all the signs here. Ear infections are painful and often happen to babies before they even learn how to talk. Fortunately, learning the signs and symptoms of an ear infection could help alleviate your child’s …

Scombroid poisoning is caused by accumulated bacteria that turn histidine into scombrotoxin (histamine) in improperly stored fish. Scombroid poisoning (scombroid food poisoning or scombroid) is a foodborne illness that is typically caused by consuming spoiled fish, which contains a chemical called histidine. Bacteria can multiply in fish when stored at warm temperatures (59°F) and turn histidine into scombrotoxin (histamine). Histamine is responsible for the …

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip may be caused by a fracture, joint dislocation, excessive alcohol intake, long-term steroid use or secondary to certain medical conditions. Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply.  Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip, also called femoral head avascular necrosis, is most common. The thigh bone …

Most cases of sore Achilles tendons are the result of Achilles tendonitis, which can be treated with a self-care protocol known by the acronym R.I.C.E. You can treat a sore Achilles tendon, which is most often caused by Achilles tendonitis, with a self-care protocol known by the acronym R.I.C.E. that stands for: Rest. Avoiding exercises that put a strain on …

Grade II hamstring strain, known as a partial tear, is typically more painful and may result in some swelling or bruising. The injury should heal on its own with rest and proper physiotherapy. Three muscles run down the back of the leg from the thigh to the knee: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. These three muscles help you bend …

During certain seasons, allergies can make you miserable. Learn what causes allergy flare-ups during spring and summer During spring and summer, allergies can flare up and make you miserable, causing sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy eyes. Allergy or hypersensitivity is an exaggerated response of the immune system against certain substances that are otherwise harmless. In people with allergies, the …