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Valley fever is a lung infection caused by a fungal organism, Coccidioides immitis, present in arid soil. Valley fever is actually a misnomer; it was discovered in the San Joaquin Valley in California, but it occurs throughout the entire southwestern United States. But valley fever is easier to say and spell than its medical name, coccidioidomycosis! Continue reading →

The lymphatic system is present in all areas of your body. It consists of tiny lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes located in such places as your neck, armpits, groin and within your chest, abdomen and pelvis. The lymphatic system returns fluid (lymph) that enters the tissues from the blood back into the veins. The lymph nodes serve as part of your immune system in which specialized cells can attack invading antigens and microorganisms. Continue reading →

Legionnaire’s disease is an infection due to a bacterium, Legionella pneumophila, that causes a severe form of pneumonia. It was first recognized after an outbreak in a hotel in Philadelphia during a legionnaires convention in 1976 which caused illness in over 200 people of whom 34 died. There have been many subsequent outbreaks that usually have been traced to contaminated water in cooling towers of air-conditioning systems in large buildings. The Legionella bacteria is spread widely by air circulation. Continue reading →

The long-term consequences of bacterial meningitis vary widely. Most children have no lasting problems. Some have moderately severe complications: mild deafness, developmental delays, or seizures. Up to 20 percent of children who have had some types of bacterial meningitis experience serious persistent problems including severe deafness, blindness, partial paralysis, and mental retardation. Continue reading →

Giardia lamblia is a parasite often found in water contaminated with sewage but may also inhabit fresh water lakes and mountain streams. Many people with Giardia may harbor the organism in their intestinal tract without symptoms. When symptoms develop, they are characterized by acute or chronic watery diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and abdominal distention. Stools are often foul smelling and may float. Patients may experience low grade fevers as well. Continue reading →

Genital warts, known medically as condylomata, are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus causes wart-like, raised lesions in the moist areas of the genitalia and the anal areas in both men and women. The virus is highly transmissible and commonly spreads to adjacent areas in infected people. In women, this virus can infect the cervix and is a risk factor for cervical cancer. People with impaired immune systems and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to HPV. Continue reading →

Condyloma, also known as genital warts, is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The warts appear in both men and women. In women, they usually appear on the external genitalia but may also occur in the vagina and on the cervix. The virus (HPV) is contagious and is usually transmitted by direct sexual contact. Continue reading →

Epstein-Barr is the name of a specific type of the herpes virus. It’s also known as EBV. It can be transmitted in saliva by kissing, coughing or sneezing, but it’s not highly contagious. In children between ages 4 and 15, infection with EBV usually causes a mild illness that produces fever and fatigue and may resemble a common respiratory infection. Continue reading →