Diseases A-Z List

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) As of January 1, 2020, IDPH is reporting the following number of patients under investigation during the given year and the number of cases that are confirmed, probable, and not cases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after review of the case information provided. IDPH is continually working with the health care providers and local health
Alzheimer's Disease What Is Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's is a specific disease of the brain that was identified more than 100 years ago, but research into its causes, risk factors and potential treatments has gained momentum only in the last 30 years. The hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease are the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain: clumps of beta-amyloid (called amyloid plaques)
Arboviral Encephalitis What is arboviral encephalitis? Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can be caused by an Arthropod borne virus (arbovirus). Arthropods include mosquitoes and ticks. In Illinois, arboviruses are transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Encephalitis due to St. Louis virus (SLE), West Nile virus (WNV) and California group viruses are the arboviral
Arthritis What is arthritis? The term arthritis refers to about 120 different diseases that can affect the joints, muscles and other soft tissues. The three most common forms are osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 21 million adults in this country.
Asthma What is asthma? Asthma is a condition that affects the airways. It makes it hard to breathe because the airways become swollen, produce too much mucus and the muscles around the airways tighten. Asthma can range from mild to severe and can be life threatening. It is recognized that in some families, inherited factors play a role in an individual's risk for asthma. If a parent,
Babesiosis What is Babesiosis? Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Babesia microti is the main species that has been found in people in the United States. How do people get infected with Babesia? The main route of transmission is through the bite of an infected tick. Babesia microti is spread by Ixodes scapularis ticks, which are commonly called
Bacterial Vaginosis What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning. How common is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of
Bladder Cancer Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, a hollow muscular organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. The kidneys carry urine through the ureters to the bladder and out of the body through the urethra.
Breast Cancer According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each year in the United States, about 270,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,300 in men. About 42,000 women and 500 men in the United States die each year from breast cancer. In 2021, Illinois reported 10,981 women and 117 men were diagnosed with breast cancer. During 2021, 1,697 women and 23 men died from breast cancer.
Cancer Cancer is a common disease, more common than many people realize. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 1 in 2 men in the United States has a lifetime risk of developing cancer; for women, the lifetime risk is 1 in 3. The number of people with cancer is increasing in most communities because more people are living to the age of greatest cancer occurrence.

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E. Coli What is Escherichia coli ? E. coli O157:H7, one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli, is an emerging cause of foodborne illness. While most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this particular strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. It was first identified as a cause of illness in 1982 during
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) What is Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)? Eastern equine is a rare mosquito-borne infection caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus. Most cases in the United States occur in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states although cases have occurred in some Midwestern states. What are the symptoms of EEE? It is possible that some people who become infected with EEEV may not
Ebola Virus Hemorrhagic Fever What is Ebola? Ebola is a severe, often deadly disease that is caused by the Ebola virus. Symptoms of Ebola most commonly begin 8-10 days after coming into contact with the Ebola virus, but symptoms can occur anywhere between 2-21 days after exposure. Symptoms of Ebola include: fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, lack of appetite and
Ehrlichiosis What is ehrlichiosis? Ehrlichiosis is a disease of humans and animals caused by bacteria named Ehrlichia. The bacteria, which are transmitted by ticks, can infect certain types of white blood cells. Cases of ehrlichiosis have been confirmed in many states in this country, including Illinois. How do you get ehrlichiosis? The bacteria are transmitted to humans by the bite of an
Endometrial Cancer What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a common, yet poorly understood, disease that can strike women of any socioeconomic class, age or race. It is estimated that between 10 percent and 20 percent of American women of childbearing age have endometriosis. The disease can affect nearly every aspect of a woman's life--her ability to work, her ability to reproduce, and her
Enterovirus What is the current situation? In 2014, an uncommon form of enterovirus called EV-D68 has been found circulating in Missouri and Illinois. This situation rapidly evolved and additional states reported circulation of this virus. Testing of specimens from individuals diagnosed with enterovirus infection were sent to a specialized laboratory at the U.S. Centers for Disease
Fibroids What are fibroids? Fibroids are growths on the walls of the uterus. Sometimes, a fibroid is attached to the outside of the uterus by a stalk. Fibroids can be as small as a seed or a pea or as large as an orange or small melon. Although fibroids are called "tumors," they are not cancer. They are smooth muscle growths. About two of every 10 women who have not gone through
Fibromyalgia WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA? The word "fibromyalgia" means pain in the muscles and tissues that connect bones, ligaments and tendons. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain, aching, stiffness, fatigue and tenderness, especially in the neck, back, shoulders and hips. Persons with fibromyalgia often experience sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression, headaches and
Genital Herpes What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, 16.2 percent, or about one out of six, people aged 14 to 49 years have genital HSV-2 infection. Over the past decade, the percentage of persons with genital
Giardiasis Giardiasis, a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia, is characterized by chronic diarrhea that usually lasts one or more weeks. Diarrhea may be accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, fatigue or weight loss. Stools are often malodorous and have a pale greasy appearance. Infection without symptoms is also

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Incontinence What is incontinence? Incontinence is a problem of the urinary system, which is composed of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. The kidneys remove waste products from the blood and continuously produce urine. The muscular, tube-like ureters move urine from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is stored until it flows out of the body through the tube-like
Influenza (Flu) #SleeveUp Flu Shot Campaign Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Compared with most viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness. Typical influenza illness includes fever (usually 100 degrees F to 103 degrees F in adults and often even
Kidney Cancer Kidney cancer is cancer of the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter blood. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer and accounts for more than 90% of kidney cancer cases. Like other cancers, renal cell carcinoma begins small and grows larger over time. Normally, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) will grow as a single mass within the kidneys; however, there can be multiple tumors in the kidney. Sometimes tumors can be found in both kidneys at the same time.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Lead poisoning, the number one environmental illness of children, is caused primarily by lead-based paint in older homes. While Illinois has made great progress in recent years, we maintain one of the highest rates in the nation for the number of children with elevated blood lead levels. The most common exposure to lead by children is through the ingestion of paint chips and
Legionnaires' Disease What is Legionellosis? Legionellosis is a bacterial disease of the lungs caused by Legionella pneumophila. The disease can range from a mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and death. The most common form of Legionellosis is known as "Legionnaires' disease," named after an outbreak in 1976 when many people who attended an American Legion conference in Philadelphia
Leptospirosis What is leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a bacterium, Leptospira. Human disease is associated with contact with wild and domestic animal urine. It is extremely rare, with only about one human case reported annually in Illinois. How does a person get leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is spread mainly by contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of
Leukemia Leukemia starts in the soft, inner part of the bones (bone marrow), but often moves quickly into the blood. It can then spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system, and other organs. Both children and adults can get leukemia, which is a complex disease with many different types and subtypes.
Listeriosis What is listeriosis? Listeriosis, which is caused by eating food contaminated by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, can be a serious disease. In the United States, an estimated 1,850 persons become seriously ill with listeriosis each year. In Illinois, approximately 20 cases of listeriosis are reported annually; about 25 percent of the cases die. Who is at risk for
Liver Cancer The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. It lies under the right ribs, just beneath the right lung and diaphragm (the membrane below the lungs that moves up and down as you breathe). The liver performs several vital functions. It processes and stores many of the nutrients absorbed from the intestine, makes some of the clotting factors needed to stop bleeding from a cut or injury, and secretes bile into the intestine to help absorb nutrients.
Lung Cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of death. In Illinois, between 2016 and 2020, the mortality rate from lung cancer was 6.4%. Experts predict that in the next four years, twice as many women will die from lung cancer as from breast cancer.

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Measles Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions. The best protection against measles is vaccination.
Meningitis What is meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a number of infectious agents including viruses and bacteria. The type of meningitis and its cause can only be determined by conducting laboratory tests. Viral meningitis (also called aseptic meningitis) is the most common type of meningitis and is less
Meningococcal Disease What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It occurs commonly in two forms: inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis) or a severe blood infection (meningococcemia). The bacterium that causes meningococcal disease, Neisseria meningitidis, first infects the mucous membranes of the nose and
Methyl Parathion What is methyl parathion? Methyl parathion, sometimes called "cotton poison," is a chemical pesticide that should be used only in open fields to control insects. Most commonly, it is used on cotton, soybean and vegetable fields. Methyl parathion is not meant to be used inside buildings or homes. Such use is illegal. Methyl parathion is a brownish liquid that turns milky white
Molluscum Contagiosum What is molluscum contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disease that is caused by a virus. The disease is generally mild and should not be a reason for concern or worry. Molluscum infection causes small white, pink, or flesh-colored bumps or growths with a dimple or pit in the center. The bumps are usually smooth and firm and can appear anywhere on the body. They
Mpox Illinois MPV cases include all probable and confirmed cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) numbers may not match due to differences in reporting timeframes. All numbers displayed are provisional and subject to change.
MRSA What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)? Staphylococcus aureus (Staf-lo-coc-cus aw-ree-us) is a bacterium that is commonly carried in the nose and on the skin of healthy people. The bacterium is often referred to as "staph." It is estimated that 30 percent of the population carries staph on the skin or in the nose. Methicillin or penicillin and cephalosporins are generally used
MRSA (Pet Owners) What is MRSA? MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to some antibiotics. Although MRSA is primarily found in people, animals also can carry or be infected with the organism. How is MRSA transmitted to people and animals? Direct skin-to-skin contact is the most common way MRSA is transmitted, but it also can be transmitted by contaminated objects such as bandages from a
Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer formed by cancerous plasma cells in the blood. Normal plasma cells are an important part of the body’s immune system. The immune system comprises several types of cells that work together to fight infections. Lymph cells (called “lymphocytes”) are the primary type of cell in the immune system. There are two types of lymph cells: T cells and B cells.
Mumps Mumps is an acute infectious viral disease that can cause swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw. One dose of mumps vaccine, given in combination with measles and rubella (called MMR), is recommended for all children at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. The vaccine usually produces life-long immunity. In addition, persons

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Heart & Stroke Diseases of the Heart and Stroke: Illinois’ Leading Killers Heart disease and stroke are, respectively, the first and third leading causes of death, and also the major causes of disability in Illinois. In 2017 there were 25,393 deaths in Illinois due to heart disease and 6,021 deaths due to stroke. Deaths due heart disease and stroke combined (31,414) represent almost 29
MRSA What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)? Staphylococcus aureus (Staf-lo-coc-cus aw-ree-us) is a bacterium that is commonly carried in the nose and on the skin of healthy people. The bacterium is often referred to as "staph." It is estimated that 30 percent of the population carries staph on the skin or in the nose. Methicillin or penicillin and cephalosporins are generally used
Rabies What is rabies? Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. The virus is present primarily in the saliva, brain tissue and spinal fluid of a rabid animal. What animals can get rabies? Rabies can affect all mammals. Since 1995 in the United States, more than 7,000 animals per year--most of them wild--have been diagnosed as having the
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cold virus that causes runny nose, fever, and cough that usually go away on their own in a about a week for most. Some people are more susceptible to RSV including young children, those with compromised immune systems, and those with advanced age
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an acute infectious disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick. The disease occurs throughout the United States during months when ground temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit or more and ticks are active. Who gets Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Both children and adults can be affected
Rotavirus What is rotavirus? Rotavirus is a virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. It affects mostly babies and young children. Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to serious dehydration (loss of body fluid). If dehydration is not treated, it can be deadly. The rotavirus vaccine protects against this illness. What are the symptoms of rotavirus? Rotavirus may cause the following: •
Rubella What is rubella? Rubella, also called German measles, is a viral illness that is spread from person to person by breathing in droplets of respiratory secretions exhaled by an infected person. It also may be spread by touching the nose or mouth after a person's hands have been in contact with secretions (such as saliva) of an infected person. How common is rubella? Rubella and
Salmonella What is Salmonella? Salmonella bacteria cause much of the food poisoning in the world, including an estimated 1,400,000 cases ofsalmonellosis in the United States each year. In Illinois about 1,500 to 2,000 cases of this foodborne illness are reported each year. Salmonella is a general name for a group of about 2,000 closely related bacteria that cause illness by reproducing
Sarcoidosis What is sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can appear in almost any body organ, but most often starts in the lungs or lymph nodes. The disease also can affect the liver, skin, heart, nervous system and kidneys. No one yet knows what causes sarcoidosis. It can appear suddenly and then disappear. Or it can develop gradually and produce symptoms that come
SARS What is SARS? Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. The illness usually begins with a high fever. Patients also may have chills or other symptoms, including headache, general feeling of discomfort, body aches and diarrhea. Some individuals' illness also may begin with mild respiratory symptoms. After two to seven days, SARS

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Endometrial Cancer What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a common, yet poorly understood, disease that can strike women of any socioeconomic class, age or race. It is estimated that between 10 percent and 20 percent of American women of childbearing age have endometriosis. The disease can affect nearly every aspect of a woman's life--her ability to work, her ability to reproduce, and her
Vaginitis Vaginitis is described medically as irritation and/or inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is a very common disease affecting millions of women each year. The three most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis (BV), candida vaginitis (yeast infection) and trichomonas vaginitis (trich). What are the signs or symptoms of vaginitis? Vaginal infections can produce a
West Nile Virus (WNV) West Nile virus emerged in the United States in the New York metropolitan area in the fall of 1999. Since then, the virus, which can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, has quickly spread across the country. In Illinois, West Nile virus was first identified in September 2001 when laboratory tests confirmed its presence in two dead crows found in the
Yellow Fever Vaccination The U.S. Public Health Service has designated the Illinois Department of Public Health as the responsible party for determining which Illinois physicians are authorized to provide, under their orders, yellow fever vaccine for persons who travel outside the United States. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Communicable Disease Section (CD) is responsible for processing

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