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What is meningococcal disease and what are the complications of this disease? Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis). There are many different groups or types of this bacteria that can cause disease and each type is...

What is rotavirus? Rotavirus is a common virus that causes a mild to severe diarrhea in humans. Infants and young children in childcare centres and children’s hospitals are most often infected. The virus is also a common cause of diarrhea in the elderly living in long-term care...

What is pertussis (Whooping Cough)? Pertussis is a respiratory infection in the lungs and throat caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Pertussis occurs worldwide and in Canada, including in PEI, there may be individual cases or outbreaks of pertussis diagnosed every year...

What is Varicella and what are the complications of this disease? Varicella is a common and highly infectious disease which causes an irritating blister-like rash. The rash or fluid filled lesions break out in stages on all areas of the body including the scalp and mucous...

What is Rotavirus illness and what are the complications of this disease? Rotavirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea and vomiting) in children. Rotavirus is caused by a virus that is present in the bowel and it is spread by hand to mouth when contact is...

What is pneumococcal disease and what are the complications of this disease? Invasive pneumococcal disease is caused by a common bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause several illnesses including mening itis, pneumonia, bacteremia or blood infection, and ear...

What are Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella and what are the complications of these diseases? These four diseases are caused by viruses. Measles, mumps and rubella are spread by contact with nose and throat secretions such as by coughing and sneezing. Varicella can be spread...

What are measles, mumps and rubella, and what are the complications of these diseases? These three diseases are caused by viruses. Measles, mumps and rubella are spread by contact with nose and throat secretions such as by coughing and sneezing. Measles (red measles or rubeola)...