Ebola (Ebola virus disease or EVD) is a severe, often fatal, illness that can infect humans. There is currently an outbreak of Ebola in West Africa.

Mosquitoes in Boston can spread West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Learn more about these illnesses and how to protect yourself this summer with our fact sheets in multiple languages.

Chikungunya (pronounced: chik-en-gun-ye) is a virus spread to people by mosquitoes. At this time, mosquitoes in the United States do not carry chikungunya, but travelers to other countries or family members in other countries may be at risk. This includes those in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Share our fact sheet available in English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish.

“Food poisoning” is caused by germs (bacteria or viruses) or toxins (harmful substance produced by germs) spread through food. Download our fact sheet in multiple languages.

Diseases that people can get from animals are called zoonotic diseases. These illnesses can spread from animals to humans, either by direct contact with an animal or by coming into contact with an animal’s environment. Visit our new web page for fact sheets and other resources to prevent diseases from animals.

Influenza (often called “flu”) is a contagious illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, runny nose, sore throat and general weakness. Review data from the 2013-2014 influenza season in Boston.

Foodborne illness is a common and preventable public health problem. Each year, 1 in 6 Americans gets sick by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. In many cases, a specific source of infection is not identified. In Boston, increases in Salmonella and Campylobacter occur every summer. Safe food handling practices and proper personal hygiene decrease the risk of illness.

Many colleges and universities may have students, faculty, or staff in areas of West Africa where the Ebola outbreak is ongoing, currently Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and, to a very limited extent, Lagos in Nigeria. Although the risk of a traveler arriving in the US with Ebola infection is small, colleges and universities should have plans in place to monitor returning travelers from affected regions, and to respond should members of the college or university community become ill.

The likelihood of the arrival of someone into Massachusetts with hemorrhagic fever due Ebola virus disease (EVD) is very low, and the potential for transmission in the United States is even lower. However, in light of the ongoing, unprecedented outbreak of Ebola virus infection, it would be prudent to assess capacity and preparedness for the management of suspect cases and of individuals potentially exposed to EVD.

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has received reports of chikungunya cases in Boston residents. All cases had recent travel to the Caribbean, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Providers should be aware of the possibility of chikungunya infection in patients that present with symptoms consistent with the infection and recent travel. Confirmed cases of chikungunya should be reported to BPHC at 617‐534‐5611.