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Ringworm is a common fungal infection that causes a red, circular, itchy rash spread by skin-to-skin contact. In 2023, the CDC reported two cases of treatment-resistant ringworm in New York City.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-transmitted disease in the United States. Most people experience no symptoms, but around 20% develop fevers, headaches, body aches, rashes, and swollen lymph glands.
HPV is a common virus transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. HPV causes warts on the body, and some strains of HPV can lead to cervical cancer.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. The most common symptom is a rash that looks like a bullseye target. Other symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Whooping cough is highly contagious and easily spread through coughing and sneezing. It can cause serious illness and is particularly dangerous for babies. The US logs around 20,000 cases of whooping cough every year.
Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white of the eyeball. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious.
Rotavirus is highly contagious and is common in infants and young children. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Vaccinations are available to prevent rotavirus infections.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is spread through direct contact with a shingles rash or by breathing in virus particles.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that infects the respiratory tract. Symptoms are usually similar to a cold, but in infants and young children, particularly those with weakened immune systems, it can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and a rash with raised bumps. It spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash. It mostly affects children, but can be caught at any age.
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, targeting the CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell. HIV is most commonly spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Meningococcal disease can lead to serious infections like meningitis or septicemia. It is spread via coughing or kissing. Fever, a stiff neck, and a headache are common symptoms. Vaccines are available to help prevent meningococcal disease.
Salmonella bacteria can be transmitted from animals to people and from person to person. Salmonella is commonly found in raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, meat, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is typically spread through contact with infected blood, such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex.
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. It is spread by coughs and sneezes.
Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the US. The virus is very contagious and is spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can include pain during urination or unusual discharge from the genitals. Many people with gonorrhea don't have symptoms, making it easy to spread unknowingly.
Syphilis is spread by having unprotected sex. It is highly contagious when there is a sore or rash present. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, especially in the early stages.
Herpes simplex virus 1 includes painful blisters or sores around the mouth, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. HSV-1 is very contagious and is spread through close contact, especially during outbreaks when sores or blisters are present.
Herpes simplex virus 2 is a viral infection that is the most common cause of genital herpes. HSV-2 is extremely contagious and is spread through sexual contact with an infected person.
While E.coli is found in the intestines, certain strains of E.coli outside of the body can cause infection. People mostly get sick from E.coli by ingesting contaminated food or water. It can also be transmitted from animals to people and from person to person.
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. It is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
Strep throat is a common and contagious bacterial infection that is spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact.
The common cold is a viral infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. Transmission is by direct contact or by inhaling respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Staph is a contagious bacterial infection that enters the body through cuts or wounds via skin-to-skin contact and from surfaces like phones or door handles touched by an infected person.
COVID-19 is a contagious disease that affects the lungs and respiratory system. It spreads easily through close contact with people who have the virus. Over one million Americans have died from COVID.
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the US. Chlamydia is often symptomless, so people spread it without realizing they are infected. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Sources: (WebMD) (Yale Medicine) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: Stars who suffer from rare diseases
Between 3% and 11% of people in the US get influenza, or the flu, each year. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle ache, tiredness, sore throat, and congestion. An annual seasonal vaccine can reduce the risk of catching the flu.
That said, do you know which infectious diseases are most common in the US? Find out by clicking through this informative gallery.
These are the top infectious diseases in the US right now
Protect yourself against these infectious illnesses
HEALTH Illnesses
When microscopic germs like bacteria and viruses enter the body, they can cause infections, leading to illness and disease. Diseases that spread from person to person are said to be infectious and can range in severity depending on the pathogen involved, the mode of transmission, and the individual's immune response. And some infections spread to people from animals or insects but aren't spread to other humans.
That said, do you know which infectious diseases are most common in the US? Find out by clicking through this informative gallery.