Foot-and-mouth disease, also called hoof-and-mouth disease, is a viral infection that affects animals with cloven (divided) hooves, such as cows, goats, sheep and deer (but not dogs, horses, or cats). It is caused by the FMD virus, part of the Picornaviridae virus family. Because of its name, it's often confused with another disease that affects people, called hand-foot-mouth (or hand, foot and mouth) disease. People can't contract the animal disease, and animals can't contract the human disease. In animals, symptoms of hoof-and-mouth disease include blisters in the mouth and on the feet. It is possible for people to spread the disease to other animals through contaminated clothing, shoes or other objects. Contaminated food, water, vehicles, and buildings can also spread the disease. It can cause the animal pain and even be fatal.
Viral Infections
Viral infections like herpes simplex, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), chicken pox and rotavirus are infections caused by a virus instead of a bacterium. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, but some specific viruses like influenza A and B can be treated with certain antiviral medications. Most commonly, treatment for viral infections includes drinking lots of fluids, getting rest, eating well and letting the illness run its course.
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Viral conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the clear membranes covering the white of the eye and the inner side of the eyelid) is contagious. Children with viral conjunctivitis may need to stay home from school until the fever or other symptoms resolve. The same viruses that are responsible for colds and infections of the ear, sinuses and throat can also cause viral conjunctivitis. Children with viral conjunctivitis do not benefit from taking antibiotics. -
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RealAge answeredA rubella test helps doctors detect the rubella virus, also called German measles or 3-day measles. It is a blood test that finds antibodies to the virus, which can confirm whether or not a person has the infection. The test can also tell doctors if a person has been vaccinated to the virus, or that they've never been exposed to rubella at all. This test is often ordered for pregnant women, to be sure they have enough rubella antibodies to protect their baby from the virus. Other people may need the test if they have symptoms of the virus. Sometimes, the test is ordered for newborns, if their doctor suspects they've been exposed. The blood test results may be confirmed with tests of urine, or nose or throat swabs, or a nasal wash. -
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See All 2 AnswersEncephalitis is a general term for inflammation of the brain. This inflammation can be due to many things, but perhaps the most common cause of encephalitis is an infection, often caused by a virus. -
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredEpstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes virus family, is one of the most common human viruses and the virus that most often causes mononucleosis. EBV occurs worldwide, and most people become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. -
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredBecause most adults encounter the JC virus (JCV), which causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), at some point in their lives, simply confirming the presence of antibodies to it does not tell us very much. There are blood tests that look for the virus itself in the bloodstream and some doctors believe that finding large numbers of the virus there could mean that a person is at higher risk for PML, but this has not been confirmed.
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredA doctor may suspect progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) based on clinical signs and symptoms, as well as characteristic changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A PML diagnosis is confirmed by finding the JC virus (JCV), which causes PML, in the spinal fluid by doing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
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RealAge answered
Rubella (German measles) is a contagious viral disease that has mild symptoms, much like the common cold. However, rubella can cause birth defects (and even death) in a fetus. Therefore, it is important that any pregnant woman who has been exposed to rubella see her doctor immediately.
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American Red Cross answeredWest Nile virus (WNV) is passed on to humans and other animals by mosquitoes that bite them after feeding on infected birds. Recently, WNV has been reported in some mild climate areas of North America and Europe.
WNV cannot be passed from one person to another. Also, no evidence supports that humans can acquire the disease by handling live or dead birds infected with WNV. -
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Dr. Kent Holtorf, MD , Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism, answeredStudies have found high levels of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) in conditions with immune dysfunction, including multiple sclerosis and those on immunosuppressive drugs. The XMRV appears to be what is called an "opportunistic infection" -- one that takes advantage of a weak immune system. An opportunistic infection is not the cause of the illness but may make an existing illness worse.