Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Zika Virus

  Zika is a virus that a person can catch if bitten by an infected mosquito. Outbreaks of the virus have happened throughout the world, particularly in tropical areas where certain types of mosquitoes live.

• Toxoplasmosis

  Toxoplasmosis is an infection that passes from animals to humans, sometimes without causing any symptoms. Learn more about this infection in this article for parents.

• Toxocariasis

  Toxocara are common parasites of dogs and cats. When they infect humans, the illness is called toxocariasis.

• Malaria

  Malaria can cause mild illness in some people and life-threatening illness in others. Proper treatment can cure malaria.

• Head Lice

  Lice aren't dangerous and they don't spread disease, but they are contagious, annoying, and sometimes hard to get rid of. Learn more about this common childhood problem and how to get rid of those pesky little bugs.

• Chigger Bites

  Chiggers are tiny red mites whose bites aren't painful but do cause intense itching. Home care can help the itchiness.

• Bedbugs

  Bedbugs have people on high alert, checking mattresses and furniture for telltale signs of these irritating, hard-to-control pests. Here's what to look for and how to deal with them.

• Amebiasis

  Amebiasis is an intestinal illness transmitted when someone eats or drinks something that's contaminated with a microscopic parasite.

• Pinworm Infections

  Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. But pinworms don't cause any harm (just itching), and it won't take long to get rid of them.

• Giardiasis

  Giardiasis, a top cause of diarrhea, is an intestinal illness caused by a tiny parasite. Infections pass easily from person to person.

• Ascariasis

  Ascariasis is an intestinal infection that occurs when the eggs of a parasitic roundworm are ingested. Read about signs and symptoms, treatment, and tips for prevention.

• Trichomoniasis

  Trichomoniasis (or "trich") is a sexually transmitted disease. Many people with trich have no symptoms, so they can spread it to others without knowing it.

• Pubic Lice (Crabs)

  Pubic lice are six-legged creatures that infest the hair in the pubic area. Pubic lice infestation is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it can be contracted in other ways.

• Infections That Pets Can Spread

  Kids can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships they share with pets. But it's important to know how to protect your family from infections carried by pets and other animals.

• Fighting Germs

  Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa can cause disease. Here's how to help protect your family from germs.

• Mosquito-Borne Diseases

  Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

• 5 Things to Know About Zika and Pregnancy

  Zika virus, spread by mosquitoes, is the cause of a serious birth defect. Here are 5 things to know about Zika and pregnancy.