Infectious Diseases

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2, and most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel similar to a cold, flu or pneumonia. Other parts of the body may be affected, including some reports of neurological symptoms. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. 

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever or chills 
• Coughing, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches, fatigue, headaches 
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat and congestion or runny nose 
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea 

Transmission

COVID-19 is spread when an infected person breathes out droplets that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these particles or they can land on their eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate surfaces they touch. The risk of animals spreading the virus is low, however it can spread from people to animals during close contact. 

Prevention

In addition to basic health and hygiene practices, like handwashing, other recommended preventative actions include: wearing a high-filtration mask or face covering, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, getting tested for COVID-19 if you are symptomatic, or staying home if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and avoiding contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19. 

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Legionellosis is an infection caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria. Legionnaire's disease is a severe respiratory illness with pneumonia that may lead to hospitalization or death. Legionnaire’s disease most often affects middle-aged and older people who smoke or use tobacco containing products, have weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms usually start about 2-10 days after exposure. Hospitalization for Legionnaire’s disease is common and may require antibiotic treatment.

Symptoms

Some possible symptoms include: 

• Fever, chills
• Lack of energy
• Cough
• Muscle aches 
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting

Transmission

Legionellosis infection is transmitted when a person breathes water droplets from the air (i.e., mist or vapor) that contain the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are not spread from person-to-person.

Prevention 

Properly maintain and disinfect whirlpool tubs, hot tubs and spas, humidifiers, and decorative fountains. Clean and run them frequently to prevent growth of bacteria. Avoid inhaling water or dunking your head under water when using hot tubs and spas. Avoid using hot tubs, spas, or whirlpool tubs in public places if the water looks dirty or cloudy or if maintenance records are not maintained correctly.

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Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person.  The symptoms of measles generally appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected but has a range of onset from 7-21 days.

Symptoms

Measles typically begins with:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose 
• Red, watery eyes 

2-3 days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.

3-5 days after the symptoms begin, a rash may break out.  It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots. The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

Transmission 

Measles can spread to others by breathing in aerosolized viruses from infected people who are breathing, talking, coughing and sneezing. The virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person was present. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

Prevention 

Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. One dose of MMR vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus, and two doses are about 97 percent effective.

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Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by various pathogens with the majority being either a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding these areas. 

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever (greater than 101° F) 
• Sudden and severe headache
• Mental changes and confusion
• Neck and back stiffness 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Sensitivity to light
• Rashes 

Transmission 

Bacterial meningitis is transmitted through the direct exchange of respiratory or throat secretions such as coughing, kissing, or sharing unwashed eating/drinking utensils and can cause life-threatening infections that need immediate medical attention. Viral meningitis spreads in different ways depending on the type of virus causing the disease. Viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis. See links below for more detailed information.

Prevention 

The most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis is to complete the recommended vaccine schedule. There are vaccines for three types of bacteria that can cause meningitis including, Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). There are no vaccines to protect against non-polio enteroviruses, which are the most common cause of viral meningitis. However, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of infection. These include:

• Washing your hands, with soap and water, frequently.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

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Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. Mpox includes a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. 

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include:

• A rash that looks like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body such as hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus 
• Fever, chills
• Headache, backache, muscle aches 
• Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
• Exhaustion
• Respiratory symptoms (such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

Sometimes, individuals have flu-like symptoms prior to the rash. Others get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Some may only experience a rash. Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs.

Transmission 

Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

It's also possible for people to get Mpox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal. Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. People can also spread Mpox from 1 to 4 days before symptoms appear. 

Prevention 

Take the following steps to prevent getting Mpox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Mpox.
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with Mpox.
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with Mpox.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with Mpox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with Mpox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

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Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus.  Typically, it affects the glandes on each side of your face causing them to be swollen and tender. 

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include:

• Swelling and tenderness in front of and below one or both ears and along the jaw
• Pain along the jaw and in front of and below one or both ears 
• Fever 
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite 

Most people recover completely in a few weeks. People who do not have swelling may still spread the virus to others. If you experience symptoms, isolate yourself and seek medical attention by calling your provider. Contact University Health Services at 413-577-5000. 

Transmission 

Mumps are spread through indirect or direct contact with an infected person’s nose or throat droplets.

• It can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes or shares drinks or eating utensils.
• People with Mumps can spread it for up to 2 days before and 5 days after the start of symptoms. Anyone with mumps should stay home during that time to prevent giving the illness to others.
• Symptoms typically appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12-25 days after infection.

Prevention 

The MMR vaccine is safe and prevents Mumps at the rate of 88 percent on average after two doses. If you have not had Mumps and have no record of getting the vaccine, your healthcare provider can give you the vaccine or order a blood test to check for immunity.

You could also take these precautions:

• Check your immunization records 
• Practice good hygiene habits
• Avoid sick people
• Take precautions in crowds

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Norovirus is a very contagious virus. You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Anyone can be infected with norovirus and get sick. You can have norovirus illness many times in your life. One reason for this is that there are many different types of noroviruses. Being infected with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types.

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Fever 
• Headache, body aches 

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, experience vomiting, and/or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.

Transmission 

You can become infected with norovirus by accidentally getting stool (feces) or vomit from infected people in your mouth. This usually happens by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus,
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus then putting your fingers in your mouth, or
• Having contact with someone who is infected with norovirus (for example, caring for or sharing food or eating utensils with someone with norovirus illness).

You are most contagious when you are symptomatic with norovirus, and during the first few days after you recover. Norovirus can spread quickly in closed places like daycare centers, nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships. Norovirus illness can be serious, especially for young children and older adults. Norovirus can be found in your stool (feces) even before you start feeling sick. The virus can stay in your stool for two weeks or more after you feel better. 

Prevention 

Ways to prevent norovirus include:

• Practicing proper hand hygiene, washing your hands with soap and water, especially before handling and preparing food.
• Avoid those who are sick and isolate when sick.
• Washing fruits and vegetables and cooking seafood thoroughly.
• Not preparing food or caring for others who are sick, when you are sick.
• Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces using chlorine bleach, especially areas that may have come in contact with vomit or feces.
• Washing laundry thoroughly.

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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections which are generally passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs are caused by bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STIs. Some common STIs are chlamydia, genital herpes, and genital warts (HPV).

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include:

• Unusual smell, discharge, burning or itching in the vaginal area
• Bleeding, not during menstrual cycle
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Bumps, blisters or sores in the mouth, genital or anal area
• Swelling or lump in the groin area which may be sore or tender
• Pus or other discharge from the penis or “dripping” of clear or cloudy fluid
• Burning or pain during urination or with a bowel movement
• Itching sensation inside the penis
• Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

Transmission

STIs are passed from one person to another person through vaginal, oral and anal sex. The organisms which cause sexually transmitted diseases may be passed from person to person in blood, semen, vaginal or other bodily fluids.

Prevention

Some ways to prevent STI's from occurring are: 

• Abstinence, having no sex 
• Using protection, latex condoms 
• Get checked for STI's regularly 
• Choosing sex partners carefully

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Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily an airborne disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread person-to-person through the air. This bacteria mainly affects the lungs but may adversely affect other organs.

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include: 

• Chronic or debilitating cough (that lasts 3 weeks or longer)
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing up bloody sputum (saliva)
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite

Transmission 

Tuberculosis is spread primarily through the air. Bacterium can be spread through microscopic droplets as the patient sneezes, coughs, talks, or otherwise projects contaminated sputum/saliva from their body. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected as the bacteria can stay in the air for several hours. Bacteria must be active in the person who has tuberculosis in order for it to spread. 

Prevention 

To prevent exposure to tuberculosis:

• Limit contact with active tuberculosis patients.
• Promptly detect active cases.
• Seek proper treatment and patient care.
• Maintain adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces.

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West Nile Virus is a disease transferred through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting infected birds and then transmitting the virus to humans. This virus is passed onto humans through a genus of mosquitoes called Culex, which is common in Europe, the Middle East, India, parts of Asia, Africa, and has been found in North America since 1999. 

Symptoms

After being bitten, symptoms can appear within 2-14 days, but up to 80 percent of people will not develop any symptoms. 1 in 5 people exposed to West Nile Virus will develop a fever with symptoms of:

• Headache
• Joint pain
• Body ache
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Body Fatigue that can last for weeks or months 

Body fatigue can last weeks or up to months. Less than 1 percent of people will develop encephalitis or meningitis, signaled by the presence of a headache, high fever, disorientation, stiffness of the neck, tremors, seizures, coma, or paralysis. Around 10 percent of those who develop a severe neurological reaction to West Nile virus may die.

Transmission 

The West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Mosquitoes are active from dusk until dawn, and most West Nile Virus cases occur between June and September.

Prevention 

To prevent the virus and mosquito bites, you should consider using the following:

• Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or IR3535 when venturing outdoors
• Wear long sleeves and pants while outside
• Close windows and doors securely, make sure all screens on windows do not have large holes
• Use air conditioning if available
• Emptying any standing water on your property, which can be found in bird baths, buckets, flowerpots, gutters, pool covers, tires and pet water dishes

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