Some of the known viral diseases - List with details

The list includes several known diseases caused by viruses, ranging from common ailments like the flu and cold, to more severe conditions like viral encephalitis. These viral infections can affect various parts of the body, such as the respiratory system, skin, digestive tract, and nervous system. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, rash, swelling, and more. Some of these viral diseases are highly contagious and can spread easily through respiratory droplets, contaminated food or water, or direct contact with infected individuals. Proper hygiene, vaccination, and medical care may be necessary for prevention and management of these viral diseases.

 

Influenza (Flu) - A viral respiratory illness that causes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. It can range from mild to severe and can result in complications or even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) - A highly contagious viral disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that emerged in late 2019. It can cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and may lead to severe respiratory distress, organ failure, and death in severe cases.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) - A viral infection that attacks the immune system and weakens it over time, making individuals vulnerable to infections and cancers. It can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk, and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition characterized by severe immune system damage and increased risk of infections and cancers.

Measles - A highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, runny nose, rash, and can result in complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or even death, particularly in young children or those with weakened immune systems.

Polio - A viral disease that primarily affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis, particularly in the limbs. It can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or fecal-oral route, and can result in lifelong disabilities or death in severe cases.

Ebola - A severe and often deadly viral disease caused by the Ebola virus, characterized by symptoms such as fever, severe bleeding, organ failure, and shock. It is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and can lead to high mortality rates, particularly in outbreaks in African countries.

Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E) - Viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver, with each type of hepatitis virus having different modes of transmission and varying levels of severity. Hepatitis A and E are usually acute and self-limiting, while Hepatitis B, C, and D can become chronic and may lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

Herpes - A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), with two types - HSV-1 and HSV-2. It can cause cold sores or genital herpes, characterized by outbreaks of painful blisters on or around the mouth or genitals. It can be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or bodily fluids, and there is no cure for herpes.

Rabies - A viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, usually a rabid animal. It can cause fever, headache, muscle weakness, and eventually progress to delirium, seizures, and death if not treated promptly.

Zika virus disease - A viral disease transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, with symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. It can pose a risk to pregnant women, as it has been associated with birth defects, such as microcephaly, in newborns.

Dengue fever - A viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in severe cases, hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.

Yellow fever - A viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causing symptoms such as fever, jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure. It can be severe and fatal, particularly in outbreaks in tropical regions.

Varicella (Chickenpox) - A highly contagious viral disease continue that causes itchy rashes, blisters, fever, and fatigue. It is commonly seen in children but can also affect adults. Chickenpox is usually self-limited, but can lead to complications such as bacterial infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis in rare cases.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) - A viral infection that can cause various types of warts, including genital warts, as well as increase the risk of certain cancers, such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, or oropharyngeal cancers. HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and some types of HPV can be prevented through vaccination.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) - A common viral illness that usually affects young children, causing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, and a rash. HFMD is usually self-limited, but can be uncomfortable and may require supportive care, such as pain relief and hydration.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - A viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract and can cause symptoms similar to the common cold, such as runny nose, cough, and fever. RSV is highly contagious and can be severe, particularly in infants, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems.

Norovirus - A highly contagious viral infection that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Norovirus outbreaks are common in settings such as cruise ships, schools, and healthcare facilities, and can spread easily through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

Mumps - A viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen cheeks or jaw. Mumps is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets or contact with infected saliva.

Respiratory viral infections (such as common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia) - Various respiratory infections caused by different types of viruses, leading to symptoms such as cough, congestion, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. These infections are common and can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of virus and the individual's immune response.

Viral encephalitis - An inflammation of the brain caused by viral infection, which can result in symptoms such as fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and altered mental status. Viral encephalitis can be severe and may cause long-term neurological complications or death, depending on the virus involved.