Health Topics for the letter "C"

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.