What is acne? Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes spots. Spots result from the build up of dead skin cells and grease that block the pores or hair follicles, typically on the face, upper arms, upper back and chest. It is not contagious...

What is rotavirus? Rotavirus is a virus (germ) that can cause severe diarrhea, usually with fever and vomiting. Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) in infants and young children in the United States...

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that can affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails or foot. In New York City, ringworm is not required to be reported so that the number of people infected each year is unknown.

Lice are six-legged, wingless, insect parasites of humans, mammals (cattle, pigs etc.), and birds (chicken and other birds). Lice are divided into two groups: lice found on mammals, which need blood for sustenance; and those found on birds, which...

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial illness that causes a cough lasting several weeks. In 1995, 36 confirmed cases were reported among New York City residents, a case rate of .5 per 100,000 people.

Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swelling of one or more glands near the jaw. Mumps is more common during winter and spring.

Meningococcal meningitis is a severe bacterial infection of the meninges (a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord) caused by the bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. Meningococcemia is the term for infections involving the bloodstream...

Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease that affects certain types of white blood cells. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes virus family. Most cases occur sporadically and outbreaks are rare. Infectious...

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever and a rash. Measles is more common in winter and spring. Epidemics of measles can occur. The last nation-wide epidemic occurred from 1989 through 1991; over 55 thousand measles cases and...

Hepatitis B (formerly known as serum hepatitis) is an infection of the liver caused by a bloodborne virus. The disease is fairly common. In 2001, there were 661 acute cases reported among New York City residents (rate of 8.3 cases per 100,000 persons...