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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. …

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by the “staph” or “strep germs.”  The infection is common in children and occurs when the germ gets into scrapes and insect bites.  Some people think that children get impetigo because they have not been washed properly.  However…

What is Influenza (Flu)?

Influenza is a highly contagious, common respiratory illness that affects millions of Canadians every year. Influenza season generally starts in November and lasts until April. Anyone can get influenza, but for some people it can be serious or even life threatening.…

What is Legionnaires’ Disease and where is it found?

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella pneumophila. Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment usually in water. The bacteria grows best in warm water and have been found in air conditioning…

What is Listeriosis?

Listeria monocytogenes (commonly known as listeria) is a bacterium that is widespread in the environment. It is found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage and the feces of animals and humans. Listeria can cause Listeriosis, a serious but rare illness that in certain cases can…

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a serious infection that affects the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system and the joints.  Lyme disease can effectively be treated with antibiotics if the infection is detected early enough.  Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria,…

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a serious disease caused by a microscopic parasite that affects red blood cells. There are 4 species of malaria parasite: Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, P. vivax, and P. ovale. The severity of disease depends on the species of Plasmodium causing the infection.…

What is measles?
Measles, also called rubeola or red measles, is an infection caused by a virus.  Once quite common, measles can now almost always be prevented with a vaccine.
Although Measles cases are quite rare, cases and outbreaks are on the rise across the globe, including certain…

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Many different germs cause the infection. Some of these are viruses and some are bacteria.

There are two main types of meningitis: viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. The symptoms…

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.  This bacteria is found in the throat and nose in 10 percent of healthy individuals. In rare instances, the bacteria can overcome the body’s natural defenses and…

What is Methicillin Resistant Staphlococcus Aureus (MRSA)?

Staphlococcus aureus is a bacterium that is normally on the skin and mucous membranes of many people, without causing illness.  This is referred to as being ‘colonized’.  Staphlococcus aureus can occasionally cause…