Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs)
Preventing, testing, and treating Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs)
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
What is whooping cough (pertussis)? Pertussis is a very contagious infection of the respiratory tract. It is also known as “whooping cough.” Pertussis can affect people of all ages. However, infants (under one) and pregnant people (in their third trimester) are most vulnerable. What are the symptoms? You will usually develop symptoms within five to …
Measles
What is measles? Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the measles virus. How is it spread? The measles virus spreads through close contact with the nose and throat secretions (e.g., mucus) of an infected person especially during coughs and sneezes. Measles virus is able to survive in small droplets in the air for …
Mpox
Since May 2022, there have been cases of mpox in several countries where the disease is not normally found, including Canada. The World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern most recently in August 2024. Mpox is a viral infection. Viruses like mpox spread through contact in social networks. The virus can …
Common childhood illnesses
When children play together in places like daycares and schools, they often pass around common illnesses and bug infestation problems. Children are more vulnerable to illness and infestations because their immune systems are still developing and because of the close-contact settings within daycares and schools. The good news? Most illnesses and infestations are mild, don’t …
Immunizations
Childhood and other immunizations
Enteric diseases
Enteric diseases are caused by micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause intestinal illness. These diseases most frequently result from consuming contaminated food or water and some can spread from person to person (Public Health Ontario, 2019). Most cases of enteric disease are mild and require only a day or two of reduced activities. However, …
Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI)
What is Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)? Clostidium difficile (C diff or C difficile) is a bacterium that causes mild to severe diarrhea in people who have taken antibiotics for an extended period of time. It is a leading cause of health-care associated diarrhea in Canadian hospitals. What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms are: …
Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease
What is group A streptococcus? Group A streptococci (GAS) are bacteria commonly found in the throat and on the skin. The vast majority of GAS infections are relatively mild illnesses, such as strep throat and impetigo. Occasionally, these bacteria can invade the blood, deep muscle, fat tissue or the lungs and cause severe and even …
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
How is RSV spread? It is very easily spread in the respiratory droplets by coughing or sneezing. RSV can live on environmental surfaces for hours and can be spread on the hands of people who touch these surfaces. When does RSV infection occur? In Newfoundland and Labrador, RSV usually occurs between January and May of …
Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD)
What is Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD)? What are the symptoms? Symptoms of meningococcal disease usually start suddenly and include: In infants, symptoms can also include: Who can get IMD? Although rare, invasive meningococcal disease can affect anyone. It spreads through close, direct contact with saliva or nasal secretions (i.e., spit and snot). This can include …
Impetigo
What is Impetigo? Impetigo is a common childhood skin infection that is usually caused by bacteria called Group A Streptococcus (strep) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Infection occurs when the bacteria get into scrapes and insect bites (Canadian Paediatric Society, 2018) Impetigo is caused by a bacterial infection and is highly contagious. What does it look …
Lyme Disease
What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected black-legged tick. Ticks attach to skin and feed on the blood of animals (such as rodents, birds, deer, dogs, and humans). The most common time of year for these bites are spring, summer, and fall when …
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
What is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)? Staphylococcus aureus is a germ that normally lives in the nose and on human skin.MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is not killed by the usual antibiotics. It can cause common skin infections such as boils, abscesses and infected scratches. How is MRSA spread? Anyone can get …
Tuberculosis (TB)
What is TB? TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When a person with infectious TB talks, sneezes, coughs, sings or shares smoking devices, the bacteria are released into the air. These very tiny particles can travel on air currents and can be inhaled by other people in the immediate area. What is …
Published on: September 2, 2026
