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Influenza Commonly referred to as fiu, these viruses cause fevers, sore throats, muscle pains, headaches, and sometimes pneumonia. Fiu can even be fatal. New strains of influenza can cause epidemics (widespread outbreaks) and pandemics (worldwide outbreaks).

Athlete’s foot

This fungal infection causes the skin to itch and flake.

The infection is often passed on in warm, moist places where people walk barefoot, such as showers and locker rooms—hence the name.

Ringworm Like athlete’s foot, this is a fungal infection of the skin. There are no worms, just a ringlike red rash on the skin. Fungal infections are very contagious, but good hygiene, such as not sharing towels, can reduce the risk of infection.

Fungi

Plasmodium This single-celled parasite causes malaria—a tropical disease transmitted from person to person by the bloodsucking female Anopheles mosquitoes, which inject malaria parasites into the bloodstreeam. Malaria can be treated but causes millions of deaths in the developing world.

Escherichia coli bacteria These bacteria Iive in the intestines of mammals and birds. Most strains are harmless and, like other good gut bacteria, help the body by releasing vitamin K and by deterring harmful pathogens. But some E. coli can cause severe food poisoning.

Trypanosoma Another single-celled parasite causes sleeping sickness or trypanosomiasis.

The parasite, transmitted by the blood-feeding tsetse fly, is common in sub-Saharan Africa.

It infects the blood and lymph Systems.

If untreated, it can attack the brain, causing personality changes and disrupted sleep patterns.

Protists

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