Infectious Diseases

Haemophilus influenzae, also called H. flu, is not the typical yearly flu. H. flu isn’t a virus; it’s a bacteria that can cause a wide variety of illnesses, from a sinus or ear infection to pneumonia and meningitis. There are a few different types of H. flu, but type b is the one we’ll talk Read more…

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of bacterial and parasite related diseases. NTDs are considered “neglected” because they have often been ignored as they tend to impact those living in extreme poverty, where there is little access to safe water and healthcare. NTDs include Chagas disease; dengue and chikungunya; dracunculiasis; echinococcosis; foodborne trematodiases; human Read more…

Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…

To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…

Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…

What is cholera, and why is it a big deal? Cholera is a bacteria that can cause really horrible diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and death. Cholera is most commonly transmitted via contaminated water, and sometimes through contaminated food. Though around 75-90% of people can show mild symptoms, 10-25% of people have extreme, watery Read more…

Unfortunately, bird flu is still circulating, and you will likely start hearing more about it as flu season picks up. Let’s recap why we care about bird flu and what we currently know. Note: In the U.S., some of the data updating is delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown and changes within the administration. Read more…

Measles cases in the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, but not as dramatically as they did. Vaccination is still the best way to protect your family and those around you who cannot be vaccinated. (Note – we use data from both the CDC and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Read more…

Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…

Chagas disease is an infection you can get from a “kissing bug” bite. Chagas disease is very common in tropical regions. Don’t worry–there is treatment for early stages of the disease that can cure it. Chagas disease happens when a tiny parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi gets into the body. People get Chagas disease when they Read more…