Disease Index

What is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness but for 70%–85% of people […]

What is Hepatitis B? HBV is a contagious viral disease that affects the liver. The disease ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. HBV can be either “acute” or “chronic.” Acute HBV is a short illness (2-4 weeks) that occurs within the first 6 months after

What is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A, also known as infectious hepatitis, is a viral disease of the liver. The hepatitis A virus is relatively stable in the environment, and is easily spread to close contacts who are not immune. Hepatitis A in Publications Bulletin December 2019 Bulletin October 2020 Bulletin December 2019 Bulletin November 2009

What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is often caused by a virus.   There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These 5 types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. In particular, types

What are Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)?  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), or “nosocomial” and “hospital” infections, affect patients admitted to a hospital or other health-care facility. These infections are not present or incubating at the time of admission. They also include infections acquired by patients in the hospital or facility that

What is Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)? Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is fairly common a viral infection, which mainly affects infants and children. HFMD is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. It usually occurs in small outbreaks at crèches / day-care centres during summer and autumn months.

What is Haemophilus influenzae type B?  Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) is a bacteria responsible for severe pneumonia, meningitis and other invasive diseases almost exclusively in children aged less than 5 years. It is transmitted through the respiratory tract from infected to susceptible individuals. Hib also causes potentially severe inflammatory infections of the face, mouth, blood, epiglottis,