Health Topics

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) describes a group of conditions with set symptoms. AFP is identified by the sudden weakening or loss of muscle tone in children less than 15 years old, without a clear cause.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a tropical mosquito that is part of the Aedes species. It is capable of transmitting several viruses, including Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. These mosquitoes are small and have a black and white pattern on their legs and other parts of the body.

The Aedes albopictus mosquito is a tropical mosquito that is part of the Aedes species which is capable of transmitting Zika virus. Although this species of mosquito, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is capable of transmitting viruses including Zika, it is not the species that is responsible for the majority of human cases of Zika virus infection in the Caribbean, South America and Florida. That species is the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Amebiasis is an infection caused by a parasite, called Entamoeba histolytica.  It lives in the feces (poop) of a person.  Most infections occur in a person’s stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal tract).  In some people, the disease may occur in the liver, lungs, skin, and other parts of the body.

If you’re bitten or scratched by a domestic animal (your own, a stray or someone else’s), a wild animal or directly exposed to a bat (bite, scratch, or the bat has touched or landed on you):

Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease in which a person’s airways are inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. The airways become more inflamed when “triggers” are inhaled, which can cause them to produce more mucous and may also cause the muscles around the airway to tighten.

The following information will provide an overview of key facts about asthma, and will outline helpful tips for managing students in the classroom with an asthma diagnosis.

Baylisascaris procyonis is a roundworm parasite found in intestines of raccoons. This roundworm can infect people as well as a variety of other animals including dogs. The infection in humans is rare, but can be severe if the parasites infect the eye, brain, spinal cord, and/or other organs

Blastomycosis is an infection caused by a group of fungus called Blastomyces. The fungus is usually found in wet soil in wooded areas near water and rotting plants. It grows as mould in the soil, and once it enters the body it grows as yeast. The fungus often causes an infection in the lungs. It can also affect other areas such as the skin and bone.

Botulism is a rare infection caused by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. These germs make a toxin (poison) that affects your nervous system and can cause paralysis. This germ is found worldwide in soil and dust and also can be found in the intestines of animals.

Brucellosis is an infection caused by the bacteria, Brucella. These germs mainly live in cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep.

Campylobacter enteritis is an infection caused by a group of bacteria, called Campylobacter. These germs live mostly in the intestines of animals, including poultry, cattle, rodents, and household pets.

Canine influenza (or dog flu) is an influenza A virus that infects dogs. There are two different dog flu viruses: H3N8 and H3N2 virus. Most dogs have no immunity to either strain of virus and it is highly contagious. It can also infect cats. It is not known to infect humans. The first documented case of H3N2 in Canada was on January 2, 2018 in Windsor-Essex County.

Enterobacteriaceae are a group of bacteria (germs), many of which live naturally in our bowels. These germs are also found in the environment. CPE is a type of enterobacteriaceae that makes carbapenemase enzymes. These enzymes can break down many types of antibiotics (medications that fight bacteria).

Chickenpox is a common and preventable infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

Chikungunya is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease typically causes high grade fever combined with arthritis-like joint pains.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria (germs), called chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common bacterial STIs.

Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria can be found in water or food that has been contaminated with stool (poop) from a person who is infected with cholera. In Ontario, an average of one case per year is reported and all cases have been exposed to cholera in another country while travelling. Places in the world with poor sanitation, poor water treatment and inadequate hygiene are more likely to have cholera.

Cold weather can be harmful to your health. While the health risks related to cold are higher for certain groups (such as people who work outdoors, people with pre-existing heart conditions or respiratory illnesses, older adults, infants, young children, and those who are experiencing homelessness), everyone is potentially at risk.

A common cold, or a viral upper respiratory infection, is an infection of the nose and throat. Many different viruses (germs) can cause a cold. While the common cold and influenza (flu) symptoms can seem very similar, the flu is usually more severe.

Cryptosporidiosis (crypto) is an infection caused by a group of parasites (germs), called cryptosporidium. Most infections occur in a person’s stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal tract). Infections can occur in other parts of the body, such as the lungs. These germs can infect humans, cattle, and other animals.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal (bowel) infection caused by a parasite (germs), called cyclospora cayetanensis.  The germs live in humans, and are most common in warm and humid countries.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but potentially fatal illness that can be transferred to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) infection is caused by eating the eggs of tapeworms called E. multilocularis. These tapeworms can cause disease in humans and animals. They are often found in the intestines of dogs, wild canines (e.g., coyotes, foxes, wolves), and rodents.

Les entérobactéries sont un groupe de bactéries (germes) qui se retrouvent naturellement dans les intestins. Ces bactéries se retrouvent aussi dans l’environnement. Les EPC sont un type d’entérobactéries qui produisent des enzymes appelées carbapénèmases. Ces enzymes peuvent décomposer de nombreux types d’antibiotiques (médicaments luttant contre les bactéries), rendant ainsi les bactéries très résistantes et difficiles à traiter.

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a relatively rare virus with potentially serious risks to some people.

Bloodborne pathogens are germs that are present in the blood and can cause diseases.

Floods are a common and widespread natural hazard across Canada, causing extensive damage to property and loss of life. Floods can result from heavy rainfall, sewer backups, severe storms, breaking dams, broken water mains, and thawing of snow and ice. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days or weeks. However, flash flooding usually occurs with little or no advance warning.

Giardia is a parasite that causes an infection in the intestinal track. Symptoms usually start 3 to 25 days after being exposed to the parasite.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria (germs), called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is one of the most common bacterial STIs.

Qu'est-ce que la grippe? La grippe est une infection respiratoire d'origine virale.

Haemophilus Influenzae (Hi) is caused by a bacterial infection. There are many types or “strains” of it. The sickness can be mild or very serious. If the infection gets into the bloodstream, brain, or other areas where it’s usually not found, it can cause severe infection.

For most people, heat-related illnesses happen when temperatures are high for a number of days (particularly if the night time temperatures do not drop), or if the humidity is high. While the health risks related to heat are higher for certain groups (such as seniors, young children, people taking certain medications and people with chronic conditions), everyone is potentially at risk. Fortunately, most heat-related illnesses can be prevented or treated if you are aware of the risks, signs and symptoms.

L’hépatite A est une infection du foie causée par un virus. La maladie est généralement mineure chez les enfants, mais peut être plus grave chez les adultes. Certaines personnes risquent davantage de contracter une infection par l’hépatite A