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General Information Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The tiny mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common symptoms are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The mite is usually spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.  They can spread rapidly under crowded conditions where close body and skin contact is frequent. Institutions such as nursing homes, extended-care facilities, and prisons are often sites of outbreaks. Childcare facilities are also are common sites of

General Information Rhinoviruses are members of the Picornaviridae family, which includes human pathogens such as enterovirus and hepatovirus. Rhinovirus is a non-enveloped virus that is the most common cause of the common cold. It may also cause some sore throats, ear infections, and sinus infections, and to a lesser degree, pneumonia and bronchitis. The incidence of these infections is higher in the autumn and winter, with most infections occurring between September and April.  The seasonality may be due to the start of the school year and more people spending time indoors, increasing proximity with each other and the chance

General Information Pseudomonas [sodo−moh−nas] is a Gram-negative bacterium (bacillus) that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections. The most common species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is commonly found in soil and ground water. It rarely affects healthy people and most community acquired infections are associated with prolonged contact with contaminated water. P. aeruginosa is increasingly important clinically as it is a major cause of both healthcare-associated infections and chronic lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. Although P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen (i.e. more likely to infect those patients who are already very sick as opposed to healthy patients), it can cause a wide range of infections, particularly

General Description Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans. The bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system and release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell. Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. Significance Pertussis is endemic worldwide and occurs all year round, even in regions with high vaccination coverage. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that

Norovirus General Information Norovirus is a very contagious virus that is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis. It is sometimes called the "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug." However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu (the flu is caused by the influenza virus). Worldwide, norovirus is the cause of about 1 out of every 5 cases of acute gastroenteritis that lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Transmission Norovirus is transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route by direct person to person contact and contact with contaminated food, water or surfaces. You are most contagious when

General Information Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus. The mumps virus belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae. This family consists of three genera: Paramyxovirus, which includes the parainfluenza viruses and mumps virus; Pneumovirus, which includes respiratory syncytial virus; and Morbillivirus, which includes the measles virus. All paramyxoviruses are enveloped particles 150 to 300 nm in diameter.  Before the mumps vaccination became routine in North America, it was a well-known common childhood disease characterized by swelling of the parotid glands, one of three pairs of saliva-producing (salivary) glands, situated below and in front the ears. Complications of mumps,

General Information Coronaviruses are common viruses that most people are infected with during their lifetime. These viruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, and are responsible for approximately one in every three cases of the common cold. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus called “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS‐CoV).  MERS-CoV is from the same large family of viruses that includes the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus. Both viruses are capable of causing severe disease. The virus has caused severe illness and death in people from several

General Information Staphylococcus aureus is Gram-positive cocci that are the common cause of skin infections in the community. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. Severe or potentially life-threatening infections occur most frequently among patients in healthcare settings. While 25% to 30% of people are colonized* with staph, less than 2% are colonized with it. *When a person carries the organism/bacteria but shows no clinical signs or symptoms of infection. For S. aureus, the most common body site colonized

General Information Klebsiella [kleb−see−ell−uh] is a Gram-negative bacteria (bacillus) that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections (SSI), and meningitis. This organism is normally found (normal flora) in the human intestines and is usually excreted in human stool. In healthcare settings, these infections commonly occur among sick patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. Patients whose care requires devices like ventilators or intravenous catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics are most at risk for infections. Healthy people usually do not get these infections. Transmission In healthcare settings,

General Information Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and may lead to death. Older people, young children, and people with certain comorbidities, such as asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney diseases, are at high risk for serious complications. The influenza virus can infect many different species including ducks, chickens, pigs, horses, whales, and seals. Animals, like pigs, can also be infected by human and bird influenza viruses, which can lead to genetic mixing. Most animal flu viruses will not infect humans, this is a rare occurrence.  For