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September 10, 2010

Government > Departments/Offices > Public Health & Emergency Services > Infectious Diseases > A Guide to Common Infections

A Guide to Common Infections

Respiratory Infections
DISEASE	HOW IT IS SPREAD	SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS	WHEN IS IT CONTAGIOUS	WHEN TO EXCLUDE FROM SCHOOL	WHEN TO REPORT TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Common Cold	Spread person to person via droplets; indirect spread via contaminated hands, objects, surfaces. Almost always viral.	Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, decreased appetite. Fever with some colds.	1 day before to 5 days after onset.	Do not exclude unless too ill to take part in the activities.	Not reportable to Health Unit.
Ear Infections (Otitis Media)	Complication of cold.	Earache or irritability, fever and cold symptoms.	Not infectious	Do not exclude unless too ill to take part in the activities.	Not reportable to Health Unit.
Influenza	Virus spread through air or indirectly by contact with contaminated hands, objects, surfaces. Incubation period 1-3 days.	Sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, generalized aches and pains, loss of appetite, cough. Weakness and cough can last several days to weeks.	Before symptoms have developed until 5-7 days after onset of symptoms.	Exclude until well enough to participate. Usually 5-7 days.	Report to Health Unit. Influenza can result in serious complications for the elderly and those with chronic health problems.
Strep Throat Scarlet Fever	Spread from person to person through contact with nose or throat secretions. Rarely through indirect contact with objects. Incubation period 1-3 days.	Fever, sore throat. General discomfort and tender glands on the neck. Rash on neck, chest, in folds of axilla, elbow, groin, and inner surface of the thighs. Face looks flushed. Rash feels like fine sandpaper and peels skin during convalescence.	Until 24 hours after treatment begun. If untreated 10-21 days.	Exclude until 24 hours after treatment begun.	Not reportable to Health Unit.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)	Bacteria in respiratory secretions. Spread from person to person, through the air. Very infectious. Incubation period 7-20 days.	Begins as cold with profuse runny nose and cough. Cough gets gradually worse and occurs in spasms. Face red or purple during coughing spells and child may vomit. Fever uncommon.	From onset of runny nose until 3 weeks after onset of spasmodic cough with whooping, if not treated with antibiotics.	Exclude until 5 days after start of antibiotics or 3 weeks if no treatment given. Contacts may need antibiotics or vaccine.	Report to Health Unit.
Gastrointestinal Infections
DISEASE	HOW IT IS SPREAD	SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS	WHEN IS IT CONTAGIOUS	WHEN TO EXCLUDE FROM SCHOOL	WHEN TO REPORT TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Campylobacter	Germ excreted in stool. Poultry; beef; unpasteurized milk or other food; contaminated water may be source of infection. Infected pets may also be a source. Incubation period 1-10 days.	Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, abdominal cramps.	For duration of diarrhea. If untreated 2-7 weeks.	Exclude until diarrhea is gone and symptom free for 24 hours.	Report to Health Unit.
Diarrhea	Germ excreted in stool of infected persons. Spread directly from person to person; indirectly from hands of staff and children, objects, surfaces, food, or water contaminated with germs (young children frequently put fingers and objects in mouth).	Increase in frequency of stools and/or change to unformed, loose, or watery stool. Fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, mucus or blood in stool may also occur. Diarrhea may be dangerous in infants and young children because the loss of fluid may cause dehydration.	For duration of diarrhea.	Exclude children until diarrhea is gone or physician determines child is not infectious. Notify parents at once if any of the following are present: 2 or more episodes of diarrhea or diarrhea with fever over 39^oC (102^oF); repeated vomiting; dehydration; blood or mucus in stool.	Report to Health Unit outbreaks of 2 or more children having diarrhea occurring within 48 hours, also any case of bloody or diagnosed bacterial diarrhea.
DISEASE	HOW IT IS SPREAD	SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS	WHEN IS IT CONTAGIOUS	WHEN TO EXCLUDE FROM SCHOOL	WHEN TO REPORT TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Escherichia coli (E. coli 0157:H7)	Spread through food or water contaminated with human or animal feces. Person to person spread is less likely. Incubation period 2 to 8 days. Usually 3-4 days.	Mild diarrhea to blood in stool, abdominal cramps, occasionally fever.	For duration of the diarrhea.	Exclude until no diarrhea or other symptoms for 24 hours.	Report to Health Unit.
Giardia	Parasite in stool of infected persons. Spread person to person. Common in child care settings. Incubation period 1-4 weeks.	Most children have no symptoms. May have loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, mushy stool, excessive gas, fatigue, weight loss.	Often months.	Exclude until treated and no diarrhea for 24 hours.	Report to Health Unit. Emphasize proper handwashing between diaper changes.
Hepatitis A	Virus excreted in stool of infected persons. Spread person to person; may also be spread in contaminated food or water. Incubation period 15-50 days.	Most children have no symptoms. May have fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellow colour in skin and eyes).	2 weeks before to 1 week after onset of jaundice.	Exclude for 1 week after onset of jaundice.	Report to Health Unit.
Norwalk Virus Norwalk-like Virus	Germ excreted in stool of infected persons and via air. Spread person to person. Incubation period 1-2 days.	Nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, low grade fever.	Duration of illness. Usually 10-72 hours.	Exclude until 48 hours after diarrhea and vomiting have stopped.	Report to Health Unit.
Rotavirus	Germ excreted in stool of infected persons and via air.Spread person to person. Incubation period 24-72 hours.	Fever and vomiting precede watery diarrhea. Dehydration may occur rapidly.	For duration of diarrhea. Usually 3-8 days.	Exclude until 48 hours after diarrhea and vomiting have stopped.	Report outbreaks to Health Unit. Emphasize proper handwashing.
Salmonella	Acquired mainly from food, especially eggs and egg products, beef, poultry, unpasteurized milk. Incubation period 6-72 hours.	Sudden onset of headache, vomiting , fever followed by diarrhea, abdominal pain and mucous in stool.	While having diarrhea. Can be several days to several weeks.	Exclude until diarrhea is gone and no other symptoms for 24 hours.	Report to Health Unit. Treatment is not always needed.
Shigella	Germ excreted in stool of infected persons. Spread person to person. Spread in contaminated food, water or milk, can be fly borne. Incubation period 1-7 days.	Diarrhea, fever, blood and/or mucus in stool, abdominal cramps.	For duration of diarrhea. Highly infectious. If untreated up to 4 weeks.	Exclude until diarrhea is gone and no other symptoms for 24 hours.	Report to Health Unit. Additional precautions are necessary for foodhandlers, childcare providers and health care providers. Emphasize proper handwashing.
Yersinia	Germ excreted in stool of infected persons. Spread person to person. Infected animals, especially pigs, may be a source. Incubation period 3-10 days.	Watery diarrhea, cramps, fever, nausea, headaches and vomiting. Children are most susceptible to this illness.	For duration of diarrhea or other symptoms. If untreated, 2-3 months.	Exclude until no diarrhea or other symptoms for 24 hours.	Report to Health Unit.
Skin and Scalp Infections
Chickenpox(Varicella)	Spread person to person and via air. Very infectious. May develop following contact with person having shingles. Incubation period 14-21 days.	Sudden onset of mild fever. Small red pimples which develop into blisters, then become encrusted. Usually affect face, hands, neck and extremities.	1-4 days before to 5 days after onset of rash.	Return to school or childcare as soon as child is well enough to participate normally in all activities (regardless of the state of the rash).	Report to Health Unit. Vaccine effective in preventing spread to contacts if used within 3-5 days from time of exposure.
DISEASE	HOW IT IS SPREAD	SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS	WHEN IS IT CONTAGIOUS	WHEN TO EXCLUDE FROM SCHOOL	WHEN TO REPORT TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores)	Spread person to person. Virus in saliva and infected sores.	Many infections occur without any symptoms. May cause high fever, many painful ulcers in mouth. May recur as cold sores.	For several weeks during first infection and intermittently thereafter especially when cold sores return.	Exclude if too ill to participate. Avoid direct contact with lesions or cold sores.	Not reportable to Health Unit.
Impetigo	Person to person by direct contact.	Pustules or crusted rash on face or exposed parts of body (arms and/or legs).	From onset of rash until 1 day after start of treatment with antibiotics.	Exclude until antibiotic treatment has been taken for 1 full day.	Not reportable to Health Unit.
Ringworm	Spread by direct or indirect contact with lesions of infected persons or animals. Incubation period 4-14 days depending on type of ringworm.	Depending on type of ringworm, may cause circular lesions on skin or scalp. Lesions may have slightly raised, red edges and may be scaly and itchy. Other types of ringworm may affect the skin between the toes (Athletes Foot) or the nails.	While lesions are visible.	Exclude until seen by family physician and treatment started. Avoid contact sports until cleared by a physician to return to sports.	Not reportable to Health Unit.
Scabies	Spread person to person. Requires close direct contact. Incubation period 2-6 weeks in persons without previous exposure.	Very itchy rash. Usually appears on fingers, elbows, armpits and abdomen.	Until mites and eggs are destroyed by treatment. Usually after 1 or occasionally after 2 courses of treatment a week apart.	Exclude until 24 hours after treatment first applied.	Not reportable to Health Unit.
Other Infections
Coxsackie A(Hand/Foot/Mouth Disease)	Virus spread person to person through direct contact with nose and throat discharges and feces of infected people or indirectly via contaminated hands, objects and surfaces. Incubation period 3-6 days.	Fever, headache, sore throat, lack of energy. Small painful ulcers in mouth. Rash consists of red spots often topped by small blisters on hands and feet.	Most common in summer and fall. Can continue to transmit virus in stools for weeks.	Do not exclude unless too ill to participate.	Not reportable to the Health Unit.
Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)	Spread person to person by contact with secretions from eye. Incubation period usually 24-72 hours.	Redness, swelling, itching, pain, discharge from eye. After sleep the discharge forms dry, yellowish crusts on eyelashes.	For duration of infection or until 24 hours after treatment started.	Exclude if yellowish discharge present and then until the antibiotics have been taken or dropped into eyes for one full day.	Not reportable to Health Unit.
Fifth Disease	Spread from person to person through contact with respiratory secretions. Exposure poses a concern to pregnant women.	Mild fever, very red rash begins on cheeks (slapped face appearance) followed in 1 to 4 days by a lace-like rash on the trunk and extremities which fades but may come and go for 1 to 3 weeks.	Greatest before onset of rash. Probably not communicable after onset of rash.	Do not exclude if well enough to take part in activities.	Not reportable to Health Unit. In consultation with public health, notify pregnant teachers and parents who may have had exposure.
Hepatitis B	Virus found in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Can be spread by unprotected sex, blood contact, bites and from mother to baby at birth.	Symptom may be absent or may consist of: lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, abdominal pain and/or yellowing of the skin.	From weeks before onset to months or years after recovery from illness. May be infectious for life.	No exclusion required.	Report to Health Unit. Immediately report any bites that cause bleeding. Hepatitis B vaccine and/or immune globulin may be indicated for close contacts under special circumstances.
DISEASE	HOW IT IS SPREAD	SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS	WHEN IS IT CONTAGIOUS	WHEN TO EXCLUDE FROM SCHOOL	WHEN TO REPORT TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Measles (Red Measles)	Virus in respiratory secretions. Spread from person to person, through the air. Very infectious. Incubation period 7-18 days.	Fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes for 1 to 3 days before onset of rash. Rash is large red spots which often join together, starts on face and spreads rapidly over body. Illness lasts 5 to 10 days.	3 to 5 days before onset of rash until 4 days after onset of rash.	Exclude until at least 4 days after onset of rash.	Report to Health Unit at once. Speed is essential in limiting outbreaks of measles.
Meningitis	Spread from person to person, requiring close direct contact. Can be viral or bacterial.	A severe headache, sudden high temperature, vomiting, stiff neck, drowsiness, confusion, coma. May develop a red pin-point rash. May be a very serious infection.	Until treated with antibiotics (if caused by bacteria).	Remain at home until allowed to return by a physician.	Report to Health Unit immediately. Seek emergency care immediately. In some circumstances, close contacts may require antibiotics. Infrequently, vaccinations may be required in the school.
Mumps	Spread from person to person when nose and mouth secretions from the ill person enter the nose, mouth or eyes of another person. Incubation period is usually 15-18 days.	Enlargement of salivary glands causing swelling of cheeks and face. May have fever, headache, abdominal pain. Many children have no symptoms.	6-7 days before to 9 days after swelling. Most infectious 2 days before onset of swelling.	Exclude for 9 days or until the swelling is gone.	Report to Health Unit.
Roseola (Sixth Disease)	*Spread of human herpesvirus 6* is not clearly understood. Common in children 6-24 months of age. Incubation period is about 10 days.**	Starts with fever. Several days later small red spots appear on face and body. Rash lasts 1-2 days. Occasionally child will have high fever.	Not highly infectious. Difficult to diagnose until rash appears.	Do not exclude unless too ill to participate.	Not reportable to the Health Unit.
Rubella (German Measles)	Spread from person to person when nose and mouth secretions from the ill person enter the nose, mouth or eyes of another person. There is risk of severe damage to fetus if a pregnant woman gets rubella during the first half of the pregnancy. Incubation period 14-21 days.	Many children infected have no signs of illness or rash. May have mild fever, sore throat, swollen glands in neck and behind the ears. Rash consists of small red spots which start on scalp and face and spread rapidly over entire body.	7 days before until at least 4 days after onset of rash.	Exclude for 7 days after onset of rash.	Report to Health Unit.