A healthcare professional puts pressure over the site of an injection after providing a flu vaccine to a patient during a community influenza...
Zika is spread primarily by the bite of mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). The risk of Zika is of greatest concern for pregnant women, who...
You can help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, Enterovirus D68 and influenza (flu) by promoting handwashing. It involves five...
Navigate the links below to learn how to recognize and protect yourself from various disease outbreaks.
Each page provides information you should know about prevention, the signs and symptoms, and treatments as well as other helpful resources.
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness that affects humans and other primates such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys. EVD is transmitted by wild animal-to-human and human-to-human infection. While the origin is unknown, fruit bats are believed to be the most likely host. Historically sporadic, the most recent outbreak in 2014 was the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since discovery of the virus in 1976. On August 8, 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The direct threat to Marine Corps personnel and their families is stated to be low, but awareness is key to prevention. This information is provided to share knowledge about EVD based on understanding of the virus as of October 2014. Remain informed by monitoring information posted on the Navy & Marine Corps Public Health Center website. To date, there is no proven treatment effective in counteracting EVD, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that a range of blood, immunological, and drug therapies are under development and testing. Symptoms of EVD can be treated. Examples of such treatments include providing intravenous fluids, helping with breathing, and controlling blood pressure.
CDC: About Ebola
Downloadable PDF
Non-Polio Enteroviruses are very common viral infections that affect 10 to 15 million people in the U.S. every year, according to the CDC. Types of non-polio enteroviruses include Coxsackievirus A, Coxsackievirus B, Echoviruses, and Enterovirus D68. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) was first reported in 1962 in California, and has been regularly reported to the CDC since 1987. In 2014, there was an increase in reported EV-D68 cases across the U.S., especially in people with asthma or children with reactive airway disease. Anyone can become infected with non-polio enteroviruses, but infants, children, and teenagers are more susceptible. Most people who contract an enterovirus will not become ill or will experience a mild illness, but some—especially infants and those with weakened immune symptoms, can become very sick and have infection of the brain or heart, or even become paralyzed. In the United States, enteroviruses are more prevalent in the summer and fall, but can be contracted at any time of year. Enteroviruses are spread by close contact with an infected person. They are most commonly transmitted through small traces of fecal matter, but can also be transmitted by respiratory means. Because the viruses can live on surfaces for several days, transmission by touching an object or surface that has the virus on it and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes is also a concern.
CDC: About Enterovirus
CDC: About Enterovirus D68
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by several types and subtypes of viruses. One or more virus strains cause a surge in flu nearly every year, and can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The viruses undergo continuous genetic changes, so people don’t achieve permanent immunity. Vaccines must be updated every year to combat the anticipated predominant strains. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February.
Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Coronavirus Webpage
Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus. While there are fewer than 300 cases in the United States each year, some cases can be extremely dangerous. Complications can cause inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissue, spinal cord, testicles, ovaries, and/or breasts, as well as spontaneous abortions and permanent deafness.
CDC: Mumps Information
CDC: MMR Vaccination Information
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a viral disease that has emerged in temperate regions of North America and presents a threat to both public and animal health.
WNV has become established as a seasonal disease that flares up in the summer months and continues into the fall.
CDC: West Nile Virus
CDC: West Nile Factsheet
Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that is an emerging threat to Marines and families both CONUS and OCONUS. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding confirmed cases of Zika in Brazil. The World Health Organization declared Zika a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in February 2016.
Navy & Marine Corps Public Health Center
CDC: Zika Virus
Pan American Health Organization
Set your own course through any hazard: stay informed, make a plan, build a kit. Live Ready Marine Corps.