Tag Archives: Infection

What You Need to Know About Meningitis

This serious, sometimes deadly infection can strike without warning and progress within hours. Meningitis, a term encompassing various conditions characterized by inflammation of the meninges, is a critical medical concern. These protective membranes surround the brain and spinal cord, and when they become inflamed, it can lead to a range of serious health issues. Dr. […]

Bacterial Meningitis Can Be Life-Threatening—What to Know About Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Vaccination protects against certain bacteria that can cause these infections. Meningitis, an affliction that strikes fear into the hearts of many, is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes encasing the brain and spinal cord. It is a condition that can manifest with a variety of triggers, ranging from viruses and bacteria to fungi […]

What Is Spinal Meningitis? Here’s How People Get This Uncommon but Serious Infection

It’s important to seek immediate medical care, no matter what the cause. Spinal meningitis, a severe and potentially life-threatening infection, occurs when pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, cause inflammation of the delicate membranes, known as meninges, that envelop the brain and spinal cord. This condition can affect anyone, and its consequences are […]

What Is a Bacterial Meningitis Rash—The Symptom That Can Signal a Medical Emergency

Bleeding under the skin that produces a blotchy or pinprick-like rash may signal a serious bacterial infection. If you ever happen upon a peculiar rash, resembling pink or purple pinpricks on your skin, it’s paramount not to disregard it. This seemingly innocuous rash can be a telltale symptom of bacterial meningitis, a grave medical condition […]

These Are the 6 Main Types of Meningitis, According to Neurologists and Infectious Disease Doctors

Viruses, bacteria, and other culprits can cause this type of inflammation. In the intricate symphony of bodily functions, from the simplest act of breathing to the most profound cognitive processes, your central nervous system reigns supreme. Comprising the formidable duo of the brain and spinal cord, it orchestrates every aspect of your existence. Yet, protecting […]

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a formidable and often life-threatening infectious disease caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites. With a global impact on public health, malaria poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. In 2021 alone, a staggering 247 million individuals contracted malaria, resulting in over 600,000 fatalities due to this disease. This extensive exploration […]

Dole Is Recalling Blueberries After Potential Cyclospora Contamination—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Cyclospora is a parasite that can lead to cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection that causes watery diarrhea. Dole has initiated a product recall affecting specific batches of blueberries due to the possible presence of Cyclospora contamination. Cyclospora, a parasitic microorganism, has the potential to induce cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection in individuals. This action was communicated through […]

Does HIV PrEP Use Increase the Risk for Other Sexually Transmitted Infections?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is effective at decreasing the incidence of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM).1-4 However, since the first PrEP formulation was approved in 2012, rates of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased in this population as well as in the general population.5,6 More than 2.5 million […]

Ask the Pediatrician: How do children get group A strep infections, and are they serious?

Keeping everyone in the family healthy is a top priority for all parents, so seeing headlines about the potential threat of an unfamiliar illness can be stressful. The key to staying calm is learning the facts and preparing as needed. Recently, clusters of invasive group A strep infections in children have been reported, understandably causing […]

COVID is running rampant in China—but herd immunity remains elusive

After nearly three years of keeping COVID under control, China is experiencing a massive new wave of COVID infections. The official figures reporting 60,000 deaths between December 8 and January 12 are widely seen as underestimating the impact of the outbreak. Until December 2022, China had used lockdown policies to reduce the opportunity for COVID […]