Rare Infectious Diseases

The world's rarest infections can produce some of the scariest headlines, but educating yourself on how to avoid or spot these conditions can ease your concerns.
A healthcare provider stuides a brain scan
What Is Kuru?
Doctor disposing of cap from ear thermometer
Symptoms of Ebola
A healthcare provider discussing the spine with an older man.
What Is Bone Tuberculosis?
Vial of smallpox vaccine ready for administration
What Is Smallpox?
Tabby cat biting hand of its owner
What Is Cat Scratch Fever?
A wall of dust blows across the desert near Phoenix, Arizona.
An Overview of Valley Fever
The lone star tick transmits ehrlichiosis
What Is Ehrlichiosis?
eastern equine encephalitis affects both horses and humans
Eastern Equine Encephalitis: Early Signs, Mortality Risk, and Recovery
Marburg virus illustration
How the Marburg Virus Is Transmitted and Treated
Doctor talking to woman patient in his office
An Overview of John Cunningham Virus
School vaccinations in Washoe County, Nevada
How Smallpox Is Treated
Guinea worm disease
An Overview of Guinea Worm Disease
elephantiasis
An Overview of Elephantiasis
Deer tick on a finger
An Overview of Babesiosis
Young boy with fever
Symptoms of Smallpox
Catch with claws around owner's arm
Can You Get Rabies From a Cat Scratch?
Cat sleeping on bed at owner's feet
Cat Infections That Can Spread to Humans
Hookworm
Hookworm in Humans: Signs, Transmission, Prevention