A-Z List of Infections

Amebiases is a one-celled parasite infection of the intestines. Only about 10-20% of people who are infected develop symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• Loose poop
• Stomach pain
• Stomach cramping

Amebiases is spread through contaminated food or water or contact with an infected person’s poop.

Learn more about amebiases from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Campylobacter is a bacterial infection in the intestinal tract.

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea (with or without blood)
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Campylobacter is spread through contaminated food or water, or contact with infected poop.

Learn more about Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter) from Health Canada.

Chickenpox is a common and contagious viral infection.

Symptoms may include:

• Mild fever
• Itchy rash of red spots that turn into fluid filled blister and crust over

Chickenpox is spread through contact with the blisters or spit of an infected person, contact with contaminated surfaces, or breathing air that is contaminated with the virus.

View our chickenpox fact sheet or learn more about chickenpox from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

C. diff is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea and other intestinal conditions. It is one of the most common infections found in hospitals and long term care homes.

Many infected people will not show symptoms. For others, symptoms may include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Fever  

C. diff is spread through contact with infected poop, including surfaces that have come into contact with infected poop.

Learn more about Clostridium Difficile from Health Canada.

Symptoms may include:

• Runny nose
• Dry cough
• Low grade fever
• Watery eyes
• Tiredness
• Mild sore throat

The common cold is spread by coughing or sneezing, or by touching your eyes, nose or mouth after contact with a contaminated surface.

Learn more about colds in children from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

On December 31, 2019, Chinese health authorities identified a new (or novel) coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19) through a series of reported cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that circulate both in humans and animals. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illness, similar to the “common cold” or more severe illnesses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Learn more about COVID-19. 

Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by microscopic parasites.

Some infected people do not show symptoms. For others, symptoms may include:

• Severe diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Fever

Cryptosporidiosis is spread through contaminated drinking water, eating raw or undercooked meats, sexual contact, or touching your mouth with contaminated hands.

Learn more about cryptosporidiosis from Ontario Health.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite.

Symptoms may include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Tiredness

Cyclosporiasis is spread through contaminated food or water, including fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been properly washed.

Learn more about cyclosporiasis from Health Canada.

Diarrhea is a very common experience that can be caused by a variety of germs like bacteria, parasites and viruses. 

Diarrhea is frequent, loose bowel movements (poop). It can be accompanied by a number of other symptoms like gas, abdominal pain, dehydration and sometimes even intestinal bleeding.

Usually the germs that cause diarrhea are spread when people do not wash their hands after using the bathroom.

Learn more about dehydration and diarrhea in children from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Ear infections can be caused by a number of viruses or bacteria.

Symptoms may include:

• Irritability (especially in young children)
• Fever
• Ear pain
• Dizziness

Most ear infections happen when germs from the back of the throat travel into the inner ears inside the body. They often stem from an existing common cold.

Learn more about ear infections from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is very serious and often fatal.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Severe weakness
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea

Ebola is extremely contagious. It is spread by contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, contaminated medical equipment, unprotected sexual contact, and contact with infected animals or surfaces.

Learn more about Ebola virus disease from Health Canada.

E. Coli is a bacteria that causes illness in the stomach and intestines, and can sometimes lead to kidney failure or blood infection.

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle aches

E. Coli spread through contaminated food and water or contact with infected poop.

Learn more about E. Coli infection from Health Canada.

Fifth disease is a common childhood infection caused by the parvovirus B19. It can be a concern if you are pregnant and have not had the infection before.

Some adults may not show symptoms. For others, especially children, symptoms may include:

• Very red rash on the cheeks
• Lace-like rash on the body and arms that may be itchy
• Slight fever

 Fifth disease is spread through coughing and sneezing, or contact with a contaminated surface.

View our fifth disease fact sheet or learn more about fifth disease from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

A number of viruses and bacteria can cause food poisoning. Food poisoning can be extremely serious and can cause paralysis, blood infection and trouble breathing.  

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness

Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food, which may have been improperly handled, cooked or stored.

Learn more about food poisoning and food safety from our Environmental Health Team. 

Gastroenteritis is an upset stomach. A number of germs can cause gastroenteritis.

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Most of the germs that cause gastroenteritis are spread by contact with an infected person.

Learn more about gastroenteritis in adults and older children from HealthLink BC.

Giardiasis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by a parasite. It is sometimes known as ‘beaver fever’.

Symptoms may include:

• Fast and frequent bouts of watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting

Giardia parasites are spread by contaminated food or water including from lakes, ponds or streams.

Learn more about giardiasis from Ontario Health.

Group A Streptococcus (Strep) is a bacteria that causes a number of illnesses, depending on where the infection happens. Group A Strep infection can be mild (e.g., strep throat) or serious ( e.g., necrotizing fasciitis/flesh eating disease). 

Learn more about Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Disease.

Haemophilus influenza disease is a bacterial infection. Infection may be contained to the nose (sinuses), lungs or ears, or may ‘invade’ other parts of the body. Invasive haemophilus influenzae infections are very serious and can spread to the brain, heart, bones and skin. There is a vaccine to prevent haemophilus influenzae.

Symptoms of local infections may include:

• Sore ears and fever (ear infection)
• Plugged nose and headaches (sinus infection)
• Coughing up mucous and difficulty breathing (lung infection/pneumonia)

Symptoms of invasive infections may include:

• Sudden fever
• Drowsiness
• Fussiness
• Intense headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck and back

Haemophilus influenzae spreads through coughing and sneezing, or touching your face with contaminated hands.

Learn more about haemophilus influenzae disease from Health Canada.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that usually affects children.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Mouth sores
• Body rash

HFMD is spread through coughing and sneezing, or contact with surfaces contaminated by infected poop or bodily fluids. 

Learn more about hand, foot and mouth disease from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Hantavirus is a serious illness that can progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.

Symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Trouble breathing, chest pain, and/or severe coughing in the later stages

Hantavirus is mainly spread through contact with infected pee or poop from rodents such as mice and rats. This may include breathing in particles in the air, or coming into contact with it and touching your face.

Learn more about hantavirus from Health Canada.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. About one out of four adults who get the virus are hospitalized because of it. There is a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis A.

Symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Low or no energy
• Fever
• Jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes)

Hepatitis A is most often spread through contaminated food or water.

Learn more about Hepatitis A from Health Canada. 

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by the group A streptococcal bacteria.

It usually appears as a skin rash of small, red bumps or blisters that ooze and crust over. The crust can look like dried honey.

Impetigo is spread by contact with the fluid from an infected person’s rash.  Towels, pillow cases and clothing can also spread this infection from person to person. 

Learn more about impetigo from the Canadian Paediatric Society. 

Legionella is a bacteria that can cause two types of infections: Legionnaire’s Disease and Pontiac Fever.

Symptoms of Pontiac Fever include high fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches.

Symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease are similar to Pontiac Fever but also include a serious cough that can lead to pneumonia.

Legionella bacteria is found throughout the environment, usually in water.  People get infected with Legionella when they breathe in water that is contaminated with the bacteria, usually through hot tubs, pools, air conditioning units and home hot water heaters.

Learn more about legionellosis from Ontario Health. 

Leprosy is a very slowly progressing infection caused by bacteria. It affects skin, nerves and mucous membranes. Antibiotics can be used to treat it. 

Symptoms may include changes to the skin including ulcers, colour changes, abnormal growths and numbness. Leprosy may progress to cause loss of fingers and toes, muscle weakness, paralysis, and blindness if not treated.

Leprosy is spread most often when infected individuals cough or sneeze and the droplets are breathed in by others.

Learn more about leprosy from Public Health Ontario.

Head lice are small insects that can live on your scalp. They do not cause illness. 

People with lice usually report that their heads are very itchy. The adult lice are small, but can sometimes be seen close to the scalp if you look closely. Small eggs (brown or yellow in colour) are harder to see. 

Head lice is spread when the adult insect crawls from person to person and begins to lay eggs. This can happen through sharing hairbrushes, combs or hats, or by close personal contact.

Learn more about head lice from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Listeria infection is a foodborne illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems. It is most commonly caused by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products.

Symptoms of listeriosis can start as early as 3 days after eating contaminated food. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Constipation
• Muscle aches

In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system and cause stiff neck, confusion, headache and loss of balance.

Listeria is spread through contaminated food or water. The bacteria is found in soil, sewage and untreated water, and foods such as fish, meat, seafood, diary products and fruits and vegetables.

Learn more about listeriosis (listeria) from Health Canada and find infectious disease protocol from the Public Health Agency of Canada

Malaria is a serious (sometimes fatal) infection caused by a virus. There is no vaccine to prevent it but there is medication you can take to prevent it if you are travelling to an area where it is common. 

Symptoms of malaria can be mild like fever, headache, chills and weakness but can be more serious including seizures, organ failure, trouble breathing and even death. 

Malaria is spread by mosquito bites in certain parts of the world. 

Learn more about malaria from Health Canada. 

Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (Conjunctivitis)
• Red rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

Common complications include: diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain infections, and death. 

Measles can spread to others through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It can also live on a surface or in the airs where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.

People with measles infection are considered infectious/contagious 4 days before the rash begins, to 4 days after the rash begins.

Visit our Measles page for more information, including a printable factsheet.

Meningococcal disease 

Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria can cause serious illness like meningitis (infection of the brain lining) or septicemia (infection of the bloodstream). There is a vaccine to prevent meningococcal disease.

Symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease happen between 2-10 days after exposure. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden fever
• Drowsiness
• Irritability or fussiness
• Intense headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• A skin rash that spreads rapidly and begins as reddish/purplish spots that don't disappear when pressed

Severe cases can result in hallucination, coma and, if untreated can lead to death.

Invasive meningococcal disease is through close, direct contact with someone who has the infection. People can be carriers of the bacteria without knowing it.

Learn more about invasive meningococcal disease from Health Canada.

Mpox is an orthopoxvirus caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), typically transmitted from animals to humans, that causes a disease with symptoms similar to, but less severe than, smallpox. Mpox is typically mild and self-limiting, with most people recovering within 2-4 weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals.

Mpox is typically found in parts of central and west Africa. It does not usually circulate in humans or animals in Canada. Recently there have been increased cases of mpox in Canada and internationally.  

Initial symptoms of monkeypox may include:

• fever, chills
• headache
• swollen lymph nodes
• muscle pain
• fatigue
• The above symptoms, followed by a rash or sores, usually one to three days later, on the palms of the hands, on the soles of the feet, inside the mouth, and/or on the genitals. In some cases, the rash is the first symptom.

Mpox is spread from person to person through:

• direct close contact (skin-to-skin)
• direct contact with skin lesions, scabs and bodily fluids, particularly through sexual contact
• respiratory secretions (such as when a person coughs or sneezes)
• contact with materials that have been contaminated with the virus (such as bedding, linens, towels, lesion dressings, needles, eating utensils, and dishes)

Learn more about mpox from the Ministry of Health or download our mpox fact sheet. 

Some individuals may be eligible for mpox vaccination. Learn more about this Sexual Health service.

Are you a healthcare professional? View resources for clinical support.

Mononucleosis or “mono” is a contagious infection that is usually caused by the Epstein Barr virus. It can also be caused by other viruses.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe tiredness and weakness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash
• Headache
• Enlargement of spleen and liver problems (rare)

Mono is most commonly spread through saliva when kissing, sharing drinks or sharing eating utensils. It can also be spread through sex, blood transfusions or organ transplants. 

Learn more about infectious mononucleosis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

MRSA is a bacteria that is difficult to treat because it is resistant to some antibiotics. MRSA can infect the skin, the lungs, and in most severe cases, can infect the bloodstream and other vital organs.

The symptoms of a MRSA infection depend on the part of the body that is infected. In most cases it is hard to tell if an infection is due to MRSA or another type of bacteria without laboratory tests that your doctor can order. Most staph infections, including MRSA, appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that might be:

• Red
• Swollen
• Painful
• Warm to the touch
• Full of pus or other drainage
• Accompanied by a fever

MRSA is spread through close contact with an infected person or an object carrying the bacteria. Infection can spread in hospitals, other health care facilities and in the community where you live, work and go to school.

Learn more about MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Most people recover, but mumps can lead to serious complications. There is a vaccine to prevent mumps.

Symptoms of mumps usually appear 16 to 18 days after a person is exposed to the virus. Symptoms may include:

• Painful and swollen salivary glands (located in your cheeks, near your jaw and below each ear)
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and pains
• Tiredness
• Having trouble chewing

Mumps is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can catch it by breathing it in or by touching an infected surface then your nose or mouth.

View or download SWPH Mumps facts sheet.

Learn more about mumps from Health Canada.

Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that causes illness in the stomach and intestines. It is sometimes called “Norwalk”. 

Symptoms may include:

• Explosive diarrhea
• Nausea/vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Fever
• Abdominal pain

Norovirus is spread through contact with an infected person's poop or vomit, which can happen through contact with an infected person, contact with an object or surface that an infected person has touched, or through contaminated food or water.

Learn more about norovirus from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Paratyphoid fever is a serious and life threatening infection caused by a bacteria from the Salmonella family. It causes severe stomach and intestinal illness. 

Symptoms may include:

• High fever
• Severe diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Inflammation of internal organs (like liver and spleen) in serious cases
• Tears and ruptures in the intestines in serious cases

The bacteria that causes Paratyphoid fever is present in the feces and urine of people infected with it. It can be passed from person to person through contact with infected feces, urine, food or water that is contaminated with the bacteria.

Learn more about paratyphoid fever from Public Health Ontario.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Pertussis can be very dangerous for infants. There is a vaccine to prevent pertussis.

Pertussis starts out with a mild fever, runny nose, red watery eyes and a cough. It leads to serious coughing fits that can last for two to 8 weeks. The coughing fits may cause difficulty breathing, choking and vomiting.

Pertussis spreads easily through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing by an infected person.

Printable information:

• Pertussis Fact Sheet
• Bad Cough? It could be Whooping Cough (Poster)

• Book a pertussis vaccination appointment with Southwestern Public Health at www.swpublichealth.ca/booking

Learn more about pertussis (whooping cough) from Health Canada. There you can also listen to an audio clip of what pertussis sounds like.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection of the thin lining of the eyeball (conjunctiva). It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies or other irritants. 

Symptoms may include:

• Pink or red eyes that appear swollen and feel irritated
• Watery eyes
• Thick pus draining from the eye

Pink eye that is caused by bacteria or viruses are very contagious and are spread person to person through contact with the infected eye fluid. Pink eye caused by an allergy or irritant can't be spread person to person. 

Learn more about conjunctivitis (pink eye) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Pinworms are small, white parasites (worms) that live and lay eggs in and around the rectum and anus (bum). They can be a common childhood infection and do not usually cause any serious problems. 

Pinworms are usually most active at night as they crawl out of the rectum and lay their eggs around the anus. Children may say that they are uncomfortable or have an itchy anus. They may be more irritable or cranky because their sleep is disturbed at night by the itching.

Pinworms are spread by contact with the pinworm eggs that are shed by people with the infection and then transferred to a person’s mouth. These eggs may be on surfaces or on hands and can live for up to two weeks out of a human body.

Learn more about pinworms from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Polio is a disease caused by a virus. It starts in the throat and gut and can quickly spread through the blood, infecting the spinal cord and brain. Polio can cause nerve damage and paralyze a person for life. There is a vaccine to prevent polio.

Most people have no symptoms when they are infected. For others, symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Sore throat

• Stiffness in the neck

• Muscle aches and pains

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting 

Polio is spread through contaminated water or food, or through contact with feces from an infected person.

Learn more about polio from the Government of Canada. View The Story of Polio in Canada from the Canadian Public Health Association.

Psittacosis and ornithosis are infections that can be passed from infected birds to humans. They are caused by a bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of psittacosis or ornithosis infection are flu-like and may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Body aches

Psittacosis and ornithosis can be spread by breathing in the bacteria (when an infected bird's pee, poo or other fluid is in the air). It can also be spread through mouth-to-beak contact, a bite from an infected bird, and handling infected birds. 

Learn more about psittacosis from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Q fever is caused by a bacteria from animals. It can survive for months and even years in dust or soil. Q fever infection can be treated with antibiotics.

Many people do not experience any symptoms with this infection. For others, symptoms resemble a serious case of the flu and may include:

• High fever
• Chills
• Sweating

In some cases, people develop liver and heart disease.

Q fever spreads from animals to humans. It is very infectious and can be spread through the air, by drinking unpasteurized milk or through skin contact.

Learn more about Q fever from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. It is not caused by a worm or other parasite.

Ringworm usually looks like a red, raised patch of flaky skin that is very itchy and appears to have a raised edge.

Ringworm fungi is spread by touch. It can transfer when someone scratches their skin with fingernails that have the fungi attached. Cats and dogs can also spread ringworm fungi to humans.

Learn more about ringworm from the Canadian Paediatric Society. 

Roseola is a viral infection that most commonly affects very young children and infants.

Symptoms may include:

• High fever that last for 3-5 days
• Irritability
• A rash of small pink-red spots on the face, arms, legs and torso after the fever has gone (the rash will usually turn white when you touch them, lasts up to 2 days and usually doesn’t itch)

Roseola virus is spread through the saliva of someone who has the infection.

Learn more about roseola from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. About 500,000 young children die because of rotavirus worldwide every year. There is a vaccine available to prevent Rotavirus infection.

Rotavirus often causes sudden fever and vomiting followed by diarrhea that can last up to a week. Children with diarrhea are at risk for becoming dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized.

Rotavirus enters the body through your mouth and is very contagious. Contaminated hands or objects are major sources of contact. 

Learn more about rotavirus from the Canadian Paediatric Society. 

Rubella is a viral infection that causes a rash on the face and neck and may develop into serious disease. Rubella in pregnancy is very dangerous and can cause serious complications for both the pregnant parent and unborn child. A vaccine is available to prevent Rubella.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever 
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Rash on the face and neck
• Aches and pains
• Swelling of the joints (lifelong arthritis can be a potential complication)

Rubella virus can be spread when a person with the infection coughs or sneezes. It can be picked up from contaminated surfaces and passed when people do not wash their hands properly before touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Learn more about rubella from the Government of Canada.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that causes stomach and intestinal upset. There are many types of Salmonella bacteria that can cause illness.

The most common symptoms of salmonella include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

Salmonella is spread through eating contaminated foods such as raw or under cooked eggs or egg products, meat, poultry, raw fruit and vegetables.

Learn more about salmonellosis (salmonella) from the Government of Canada.

Scabies is a parasite infection of the skin caused by the human itch mite. 

Scabies is usually a pimple-like rash on the skin that is very itchy. There may appear to be red lines in the rash. This is usually where the human itch mite travels, lays eggs, and leaves it’s waste.

Scabies usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.

Learn more about scabies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Scarlet fever (scarlatina) is a bacterial infection caused by Group A streptococcus, the same bacteria that causes strep throat.

Scarlet fever is known to cause a classic “sandpaper”-like rash to affected body parts after a day or two of fever and sore throat. This illness normally affects children and can also cause them to have a “strawberry” tongue that looks swollen, red and bumpy like a strawberry.

The Group A streptococcus bacteria is spread by contact with a person who has the infection, through sneezing or coughing, or by touching surfaces that are contaminated with the bacteria and then touching your face.

Read Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that causes gastrointestinal upset. It is highly infectious and can pass person to person. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Diarrhea (with blood or mucous)
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Rectal pain

Shigellosis is spread through contaminated poop, usually when a person with the infection doesn't wash their hands after going poo. It can also be spread through contaminated food or water. 

Learn more about shigellosis from the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful reactivation of a person’s chicken pox (varicella-zoster) virus. There is a vaccine to prevent shingles.

Shingles usually presents in the form of itching, burning, redness, swelling and blistering of an area of the skin that is accompanied by pain. Some people are left with permanent pain even after the shingles has healed.

The virus is spread through contact with the fluid in the blisters. Once the blisters crust over, the person is no longer infectious. The virus is otherwise not able to pass from person to person.

Learn more about shingles (herpes zoster) from the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Strep throat

Strep throat is a common infection that often affects more children than adults. It is caused by the bacteria called Group A Streptococcus. Antibiotics can be used to treat this infection.

Not all sore throats are Strep throat. Strep throat usually feels like a very sore throat with fever and swollen lymph nodes. It can be very difficult to swallow with Strep throat.

Streptococcus bacteria can be passed through the air or by contact with surfaces after infected people cough or sneeze.

Learn more about strep throat from the Canadian Paediatric Society. 

Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcal disease)

Streptococcus pneumonia is a bacterial infection that causes many types of illness. It can be treated by antibiotics. 

Learn more about pneumococcal disease from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Find information about syphilis on our Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) page. 

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is an illness caused by a virus that is spread to humans and animals from the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito has usually fed on an infected bird. There is no cure for WNV but most people recover completely.

Most people, 70 to 80%, who are infected with WNV have no symptoms. Others experience very mild symptoms that can include mild headache, fever, swollen lymph glands and a rash. Rarely, in about 1% of people infected with WNV, individuals may experience severe illness that can involve the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, WNV has been fatal.

WNV is almost always spread by infected mosquitoes who feed on humans and animals. Rarely, it has been found to spread through blood transfusions, organ or tissue transplants, mothers to their unborn babies and by breastmilk, and to lab workers who have been required to handle infected specimens.

Find more information on our West Nile Virus page.

Symptoms may include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches 
• Weakness

Yellow fever is spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes in tropical areas of Africa and South America.

Learn more about yellow fever from the Government of Canada. 

Yersiniosis is a bacterial infection caused by a member of the Yersinia bacteria family. Yersiniosis illness usually lasts between one to three weeks but may last even longer.

Common symptoms include fever, abdominal pain (right sided), and diarrhea (which is often bloody). Complications such as skin rash, joint pains or spread of bacteria to the blood stream can occur in a small number of cases.

The source of the bacteria is most commonly pigs and rodents (especially their poop). It is spread through contaminated food or water and/or eating raw or undercooked pork products.

Learn more about yersiniosis from Ontario Health. 

Zika virus is a tropical illness that most people recover from in 2 to 7 days. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus.

Only 1 in 4 people are believed to show symptoms. If you are pregnant and have travelled to an affected area, see your health care provider. The main symptoms of Zika virus disease (after travel to an affected area in the world) include:

• Low-grade fever (38.5°C or lower)
• A flat, red rash on the skin that often starts on the face and spreads to the body
• Short-term muscle or joint pain
• Pain behind the eyes, conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• General symptoms, such as: weakness, lack of energy, headaches

Zika virus is mainly spread though the bite of an infected mosquito. A pregnant woman with Zika virus could transmit the illness to her baby through the placenta or during delivery. The Zika virus has also been transmitted through (although very rare):

• sexual contact with an infected person
• blood transfusions from infected donors

Learn more about Zika virus symptoms and treatment from the Public Health Agency of Canada.