About Amebiasis Amebiasis is an intestinal illness that’s typically transmitted when someone eats or drinks something that’s contaminated with a microscopic parasite called Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica). The parasite is an amoeba, a single-celled organism. That’s how the illness got its name — amebiasis. In many cases, the parasite lives in …
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Ascariasis
Ascariasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasitic roundworm. While globally it is the most common human infection caused by worms, ascariasis is rare in the United States. Most cases happen in areas with poor sanitation or crowded living conditions. Signs and Symptoms Kids are more likely than adults to develop …
Bedbugs
Not long ago, “sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite” was just a sweet rhyme parents said to their kids when tucking them into bed. But recent infestations of bedbugs in even the cleanest hotels and homes have people on high alert, checking mattresses and furniture for telltale signs of …
Chiggers
Chiggers (also called harvest mites or red mites) are tiny red mites whose bites aren’t painful but do cause intense itching shortly after the bite happens. Chiggers are smaller than a period at the end of a sentence (most can only be seen with a magnifying glass). These members of …
Giardiasis
Giardiasis, an illness that affects the digestive tract (stomach and intestines), is caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. The parasite attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines in humans, where it interferes with the body’s absorption of fats and carbohydrates from digested foods. Giardia is one of …
Head Lice
The head louse is a tiny, wingless parasitic insect that lives among human hairs and feeds on tiny amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Lice (the plural of louse) are a very common problem, especially for kids. They’re contagious, annoying, and sometimes tough to get rid of. Has your …
Infections That Pets Carry
Caring for pets is a great learning experience for kids, teaching them responsibility, gentleness, and respect for other living beings. Like adults, kids can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships they share with their pets. But animals and pets can spread infections to humans, especially kids. So if you’re …
Malaria
About Malaria Malaria is a common infection in hot, tropical areas but can also occur (very rarely) in temperate climates. A serious illness, malaria can cause mild illness in some and life-threatening illness in others. Malaria can be cured if treated. It is caused by parasites of the Plasmodium species, …
Pinworm
Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. One of the most common roundworm infections, pinworm infections affect millions of people each year, particularly school-age kids. If your child develops a pinworm infection, try not to worry. Pinworms don’t cause any harm (just itching), and it won’t take …
Pubic Lice
About Pubic Lice Pubic lice (often called “crabs” because of their crab-like appearance under a microscope) are six-legged creatures that most commonly infest hair in the pubic area, although they also can infest other body hair. In most cases, pubic lice are transmitted sexually from the pubic hair of one …