Infectious Diseases
H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who are infected may not have symptoms. For people who have symptoms, illness can range from mild to severe. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. The CDC advises that everyone aged 6 months and older stay Up-to-Date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses to decrease the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 illness and severe disease.
E. Coli (Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some can cause serious foodborne illnesses.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Legionnaires’ (LEE-juh-nares) disease is a very serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by bacteria called Legionella. If you develop pneumonia symptoms and may have been exposed to Legionella, see a doctor right away. Be sure to mention if you have used a hot tub, spent any nights away from home, or stayed in a hospital in the last two weeks.
Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness. Measles is caused by a virus and spreads very easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles spreads so easily that anyone who is exposed and not immune (either by being immunized or having had measles in the past) will probably get it.
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the Mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. Mumps can begin with general symptoms of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, then may progress to include swelling of the salivary glands (often referred to as parotitis when the parotid gland, located in front and below the ear, swells). There is no cure for mumps and it can cause serious health problems. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to help protect against mumps. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Contact your healthcare provider for vaccination availability or schedule and appointment at the Public Health Immunization Clinic by calling (937) 225-4550.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, and is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January although timing can vary from year to year.
Whooping cough (Pertussis) is a common disease in the United States. It is a contagious respiratory illness and spreads easily from person to person. Whooping cough (Pertussis) can cause serious illness in people of all ages but is most dangerous for babies. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against pertussis.
