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Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common, preventable childhood infection. In children, it is usually mild, but can be very uncomfortable. If adults get chickenpox, they can become very sick. Chickenpox can also be very harmful if you have a decreased immune system, such as if you have leukemia or are taking certain medications (e.g. steroids).
For more information on chickenpox, please visit the Caring for Kids website.
Fifth disease
Fifth disease is sometimes called "slapped cheek syndrome" because of the red rash it causes. It is an infection of the airway and lungs caused by Parvovirus B19. It's most common in late winter to early spring. Fifth disease is usually very mild and a child may not even feel sick. There is no vaccine to prevent the infection and no medication to treat it.
For more information on Fifth Disease, please visit the Caring for Kids website.
Hand mouth and foot disease
Hand foot and mouth disease is an infection caused by the Coxsackie virus. Though it mostly affects young children, it can happen at any age. Outbreaks are most common in the summer and fall. It is usually not a severe illness, and there is no treatment for the infection.
For more information on hand mouth and foot disease, please visit the Caring for Kids website.
Head lice
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp, where they lay their eggs. Head lice do not spread disease, and having head lice does not mean you are not clean.
For more information on head lice, please visit the Caring for Kids website.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria spread by the bite of a blacklegged tick, an animal found throughout Ontario mostly in grass and bushes. Ticks are related to spiders and feed on blood. They are small, slow-moving, and cannot fly. Most tick bites are painless, and there is only a small chance of getting Lyme disease from a tick.
For more information on Lyme disease, please visit the Caring for Kids website.
Pinworms
Pinworms are tiny, white, thread-like worms that live in the rectum. The worms crawl out of the anus (bum) at night and lay their eggs on nearby skin. Pinworms can be uncomfortable, but they do not cause disease. People who have pinworms aren't dirty. Children can get pinworms no matter how often they take a bath. They are very common in children and spread easily among children in child care.
For more information on pinworms, please visit the Caring for Kids website.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is not actually caused by worms - it is a group of skin infections caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes that live on the dead tissues of the skin, hair, and nails.
For more information on ringworm, please visit the Caring for Kids website.
West Nile disease
West Nile virus is an infection that is carried by mosquitoes that have bitten an infected bird. It is found in many countries of the world, including Canada and the USA.
For more information on West Nile disease, please visit the Caring for Kids website.