Rare Infectious Diseases Resource Center - All Articles
Health ConditionsInfectious DiseasesRare Infectious Diseases

Rare Infectious Diseases - All Articles

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Uncommon illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites fall under the category of rare infectious diseases. These illnesses are often caused by unique pathogens that affect very few people, but can have severe consequences for those infected. Many rare infectious diseases originate in specific geographical regions or environmental conditions, and can possibly be prevented with caution and proper hygiene.

 Others, such as measles and pertussis, have become rare in the developed world, though outbreaks can still occur.

FAQ

Can rare infectious diseases be cured?

Not always. Bacterial infections, such as tetanus and diphtheria, may respond well to antibiotics. But viral infections, such as Zika virus or Mpox, cannot be treated directly, and treatment will revolve around managing symptoms.

Possibly. Climate change and increased global travel may be allowing rare infectious diseases to spread more readily. And some previously rare diseases, such as measles, are rebounding as vaccination rates fall in certain communities.

Serious infectious diseases are somewhat more common in warm and tropical parts of the world, especially in areas lacking good sanitation, but may occur anywhere.

Government travel advisories promote the best practices for reducing infection risks. Depending on how the disease is transmitted, you may be asked to avoid untreated drinking water, specific foods, mosquitoes, or some other disease vector.

Meet Our Experts In Rare Infectious Diseases
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Buttarazzi, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, and is a certified health and well-being coach. In her primary care practice, Dr. Buttarazzi focuses on lifestyle medicine to help her patients improve their health and longevity, and her passion is helping patients prevent and reverse chronic diseases (like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes) by improving their lifestyle habits.

She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and completed a residency at Maine Medical Center. Diagnosed with celiac disease during medical school, she realized the power of improving one's health through diet and lifestyle habits, which she later incorporated into her practice.

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Robert Jasmer, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Robert Jasmer, MD, is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and critical care medicine. He is in private practice in Burlingame, California, where he specializing in interstitial lung disease, pulmonary infections, and obstructive lung disease. His favorite part of practice is the long-term personal relationships he develops with his patients.

Jasmer previously served as the associate program director of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Training Program at UCSF, and has also directed the UCSF Pulmonary and Critical Care Continuing Medical Education program. He was also the codirector of the medical intensive care unit at San Francisco General Hospital for nine years. He has published more than 30 peer-reviewed research studies and written 11 books or chapters on various topics in pulmonary diseases and critical care medicine. In addition to reviewing for Everyday Health, Jasmer has also written for publications like MedPageToday.

Jasmer is married and has a daughter and twin sons. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family, trying out new restaurants, playing tennis, and keeping up with his children's busy schedules.

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jane-yoon-scott-bio

Jane Yoon Scott, MD

Medical Reviewer

Jane Yoon Scott, MD, is an infectious disease physician and an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Scott enjoys connecting with her patients, empowering them to understand and take ownership of their health, and encouraging them to ask questions so that they can make informed and thoughtful decisions.

She graduated with the highest honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology, then received her MD from the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her internal medicine residency training and chief residency at Temple University Hospital, as well as a fellowship in infectious diseases at Emory University. She is board-certified in both internal medicine and infectious diseases.

When she is not seeing patients, Dr. Scott works with neighboring health departments to promote public health, especially to communities that have been historically underserved. She also teaches medical trainees and lectures medical students at the Emory University School of Medicine.

In her free time, Dr. Scott appreciates a good coffee shop, weekend hikes, playing guitar, strolling through cities, sampling restaurants, and traveling to new places.

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Resources
  1. Traveler's Guide To Avoiding Infectious Diseases. Medline Plus. November 19, 2023.
  2. An Update on Measles, Pertussis, Mpox, and Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. November 13, 2024.

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