Sporotrichosis Sporotrichosis is an infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix. The most taught mode of infection is from the prick of a rose thorn. The fungus lives throughout the world on plants and in soil. It gains access usually through a cut in the skin. This nightmare fungus is a mix of the prick of a …
Valley Fever is also called Coccidiomycosis. What is Valley Fever? Valley Fever is finding itself again in the news in the United States (U.S.). Valley fever is a pneumonia that is caused by a fungus called Coccidioides. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and often causes fever, shortness of breath, and cough. …
What is Chikungunya? Chikungunya is a virus that causes an illness much like Zika or Dengue Fever. Most patients have a fever and arthritis symptoms. It can be quite debilitating and last for months. How can I catch Chikungunya? Mosquito bite: Chikungunya is spread to humans from an infected mosquito bite. The most common bite …
What is Ebola? The Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo near the Ebola river. It causes Ebola virus disease (EVD) in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas) through direct contact with the virus, an infected person’s bodily fluids or their deceased body. So, you may …
Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria discovered in 1911, causes the disease listeriosis. It was first noted as a food-borne illness in the 1980s and is now the 3rd most common food-borne illness. A recent outbreak of Listeria from deli meat and cheese has it back in the news. About 15-20% of those infected will …
Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland, usually caused by an autoimmune disease. The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect many processes in your body such as metabolism, menstruation and cardiac functions. It is below your Adam’s apple in the front of your neck. Autoimmune reactions are when your body attacks you instead of things …
As if a natural disaster isn’t enough, the aftermath can sometimes be worse. Hurricanes churn up a lot of debris, sediment, beach, and anything in their path. Some of these things are bacteria better left hidden that now threaten the very clean-up the hurricane caused. The amount of fuel, sewage and myriad other unknowns …
Flesh-Eating Vibrio is Rearing Its Ugly Head After Hurricane Ian in Florida Read More »
Is your gas stove causing health problems? Short answer: Yes, it can. Multiple studies over many years have documented the health complications of indoor gas stove exposure. Gas stoves release dangerous levels of harmful chemicals into your home whether they are turned on or not. But to be fair, all cooking devices release these …
Is it a drug? The most common source of caffeine worldwide is coffee and tea leaves. It is also found in other products such as cocoa beans, energy drinks, and over-the-counter pain and diet pills. Caffeine is the most used drug in the world. And, yes, it is a drug. I love my drug and …
Breast cancer statistics There are 200,000 to 300,000 cases of breast cancer per year in the United States and over 2 million cases worldwide per year. 1 out of every 8 cancers diagnosed worldwide are Breast Cancer making it the number one diagnosed cancer in the world. It is the 2nd most common cancer in …
