Tag Archives: infectious disease

Facts you should know about necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria) Picture of necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) in the lower leg Necrotizing fasciitis refers to a rapidly spreading infection, usually located in fascial planes of connective tissue that results in tissue death (necrosis). Different types of bacterial infection can cause necrotizing fasciitis. The majority of cases begin …

Facts you should know about smallpox Smallpox was the first disease to be eliminated from the world through public health efforts and vaccination. Smallpox is a contagious disease caused by the variola virus. Smallpox was the first disease to be eliminated from the world through public health efforts and vaccination. Smallpox still poses a threat because people could use existing …

Largely seasonal, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreaks occur during the winter months in temperate climates and the rainy months in tropical regions. Additionally, temperature, humidity and rainfall can influence the severity of RSV in infants. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), also called human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human orthopneumovirus, is contagious and causes respiratory tract infections. Infection rates are typically …

RSV is a common respiratory virus that is diagnosed through viral culture, serology, antigen detection tests and nucleic acid amplification tests, utilizing samples taken from the nasopharynx, saliva or blood. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), also called human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human orthopneumovirus, is a contagious disease that causes respiratory tract infections. Most commonly found in kids, the virus remains …

The survival rate of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants depends on the child’s immunological status. While healthier children have a lower mortality rate, higher-risk babies have a greater chance of developing complications. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), also known as human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human orthopneumovirus, is highly contagious, causing respiratory tract infections, and is spread through droplet …

Learn about how the hepatitis B surface antibody test works, and how its results indicate immunity to the virus Hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs or HBsAb) are measured in blood samples in milli-International Units/milliliter mIU/mL). The ranges for hepatitis B surface antibodies are: Anti-HBs greater than 10-12 mIU/mL: Protected against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, either from vaccination or successful …

What causes epiglottis? It is important to differentiate epiglottitis from a less serious condition called croup, which presents with similar symptoms. Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening illness characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a lid-like structure that covers the opening of the windpipe or trachea.  What causes epiglottis? The epiglottis works to close the windpipe when swallowing, preventing …

What is meningitis? What causes meningitis? There are many potential causes of meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges or coverings of the brain. This serious illness can progress very quickly and have lifelong consequences. So, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. The most frequent cause of meningitis is a viral or bacterial infection. …

Facts you should know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection Respiratory Viral Infections RSV is a highly contagious virus infection that is most prevalent during the winter season. Most children who develop an RSV infection have mild symptoms of fever, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and cough. High-risk groups are more likely to have a more severe disease process, including wheezing …

Facts you should know about Powassan virus (POW virus) Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Picture of a map of Powassan virus infections reported by states, 2006-2015; SOURCE: CDC Powassan viruses are members of the genus Flavivirus; there are two types, termed lineage 1 and lineage 2. Powassan virus disease is an infection caused by these viruses that may result …