Diseases of Public Health Significance

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.

Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

HPV is a very common virus that can cause many types of cancers, including cervical, penile, and anal cancer, and genital warts.

Rubella, commonly known as German Measles, is an infection that affects the skin and lymph nodes.

Yellow fever is a disease cause by flavivirus. The virus is spread by mosquito bites that occur in the jungle and tropical areas of South America and Africa.

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, but can also be caused by physical injury, cancer, or certain drugs.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. People who eat food or drink water contaminated with Shigella bacteria can become ill with shigellosis.

Hepatitis B (Hep B) is an infection of the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

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