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What is Myiasis? Myiasis is the parasitic infestation of the body by the larvae (maggots) of fly species. Human myiasis is caused in sub-Saharan Africa by the Tumbu fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga) also known as mango fly or Putzi fly. The fly lays its eggs on the ground or on bedding or clothing that is laid …

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What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Patients with measles present with fever and with a rash. The rash looks like small, red, flat spots over the body. The rash does not form blisters, nor is it itchy or painful. Other signs include cough, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and coryza …

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What is Mumps? Mumps is an infection caused by the ‘rubula’ or mumps virus. It is sometimes called ‘infectious parotitis’, meaning infection of the salivary glands.

What is Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)  Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. We do not yet know what causes MIS-C. However, we know that many children with MIS-C had the virus that …

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What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is caused by infection with monkeypox virus, a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. There are currently more than 80 poxviruses known to science and these poxviruses have been isolated from different species of birds, insects, reptiles, marsupials and mammals. Poxviruses that may cause human disease include the smallpox (or …

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What is The Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)? The Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel coronavirus which causes acute respiratory illness in infected patients. It is a contagious, sometimes fatal respiratory illness. It’s often spread through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may …

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What are Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are S. aureus strains that have become resistant to the antibiotics, methicillin/ cloxacillin which are from penicillin class of antibiotics. MRSA strains are resistant to all β-lactam antibiotics. In addition to cloxacillin, these pathogens are resistant to most other antibiotics and are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.  Most MRSA …

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What is Meningococcal disease?  Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-ning-goh-KOK-us]. These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). These bacteria spread …

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What is Meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis. It is important to know the …

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What is Marburg?  Marburg is a haemorrhagic fever (MHF) caused by a filovirus. Though caused by different viruses, Ebola virus disease (EVD) and MHF are clinically similar. Transmission of MHF is via direct contact with blood and body fluids from infected persons, contact with Rousettus bat colonies, or via infected semen from recovered persons up …

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