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What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. About 90 percent of chickenpox cases occur before the child becomes 12 years of age.  There is a vaccine.

 

What are the symptoms of Chickenpox?

Children with chickenpox will feel flu-like symptoms such as fatigue…

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a diarrheal disease caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

 

How common is Cholera?

Cholera is not a common disease in Canada. In Ontario, an average of one case per year is reported and all cases have…

What is Clostridium difficile (C. diff)?

C. diff is one of the many germs (bacteria) that can be found in stool (a bowel movement). C. diff disease occurs when antibiotics kill your good bowel bacteria and allow the C. diff to grow. When C. diff grows, it produces substances (toxins). These toxins…

What is Pink Eye?

Infectious conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an infection of the clear membrane covering the eyeball. It is usually caused by a virus but may also be caused by bacteria.  Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common in children older than 5 years of age.  Allergies, exposure…

What is E. coli?

E. coli are bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are different types of E. coli; some not harmful to people and some which cause serious illness such as E. coli O157: H7.

 

How can you get sick from the harmful type of E. coli?…

What is Fifth Disease?

Fifth disease is sometimes called “slapped cheek” syndrome because of the red rash it causes.  It is an infection of the airway and lungs.  Parvovirus B19 causes fifth disease.  It is most common in late winter and early spring.

 

Fifth Disease and…

What is Giardiasis?

Giardiasis (gee-are-dye-uh-sis) is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites called Giardia. These parasites can live in the intestines of many mammals, including humans. Although many species of Giardiaare found worldwide, only Giardia lamblia…

What is Cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis (krip-toh-spo-ri-dee-oh-sus) is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites, Cryptosporidium, that can live in the intestines of many mammals, including humans. Although there are many species of Cryptosporidium, only one species,…

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can affect the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. It is associated with foreign travel or eating imported foods that are contaminated with the parasite (i.e. raspberries).

 

What are the symptoms of Cyclospora?

Watery diarrhea…

What is Group A Streptococcal Disease (GAS)?

GAS is a germ (bacterium) that is often found in the nose, throat and/or on the skin of healthy people. Many people may carry the germ but it doesn’t cause infection or illness to them. However, for others, the germ can cause disease, ranging from a…

What is Haemophilus Influenzae type B (HIB)

Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) is a bacteria that causes different types of infections, especially in children under the age of 5. It can also cause infection in adolescents and adults who have weak immune systems. Depending on the type of infection…

What is Hantavirus?

It's a virus that can cause a rare but very serious lung disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The virus was first found in people in 1993 but has probably existed for many years.

The first cases were in rural areas of the southwest United States. The U.S.…

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. People who become sick with hepatitis A usually have fever, loss of appetite, nausea and generally feel unwell. A few days later, stools may become white/pale, urine will be dark in colour and their skin and the…

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus.  While most adults with Hepatitis B will recover fully from the infection, some people will go on to become chronic carriers of the virus, especially if infected at an early age. Chronic infection…

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C (Hep C) is caused by a virus and affects the liver. Someone can have Hep C and not know it. People can live with Hep C without feeling sick for many years before they have any symptoms. Symptoms often only occur when the damage to the liver becomes severe. …