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Most people know this condition by its popular names pink eye and Apollo, but did you know there are many things that cause it? Name Conjunctivitis also known as apollo, pink eye, and Madras eye Transmission A common condition of the eye that has several forms depending on the cause:... read more →

The world has almost eliminated polio which has no cure and can permanently cripple or kill you Name Polio (full name: poliomyelitis) Transmission A highly infectious disease caused by a virus (poliovirus) The virus invades the brain and spinal cord and can cause total paralysis in hours The poliovirus lives... read more →

Did you know eating too much raw cassava can paralyze you and affect your memory? Name Konzo (means  “bound legs” in the Yaka language) aka mantakassa Transmission Though it is not an infectious disease, konzo is a neglected disease and has been known to cause outbreaks and epidemics Konzo is... read more →

Known as crypto, this is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites Name Cryptosporidiosis aka crypto Transmission A contagious diarrheal disease caused by parasites called Cryptosporidium  The parasites live in water, food, soil, and on skin and contaminated surfaces Once they enter a human or animal, they live in the digestive system... read more →

This disease is named for the Rift Valley in Kenya where it was discovered ame Rift Valley fever Transmission A severe mosquito-borne disease that primarily affects animals but can also infect humans The virus is most commonly found in animals such as camels, goats, cattle, sheep, and buffalo Humans get... read more →

Scabies, also known as the seven-year itch, is caused by a parasite that buries itself in your skin Name Scabies aka the seven-year itch (this nickname comes from the fact that it can be hard to get rid of) Transmission An infestation of the skin by itch mites (microscopic bugs)... read more →