DISEASE

“The Plague Hospital,” a painting by Francisco Goya.

13 Facts About the Black Death

The Black Death—the world's second bubonic plague pandemic—decimated the populations of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe in the 14th century. But there was a silver lining.

Does this image of overlapping multicolored rings remind you of anything, hm?

A Stimulating History of Free Condoms at the Olympics

Condoms in the Olympic Village have been a tradition—and a public health service—since 1988.

Bubonic Plague Resurfaces in Oregon, and It's All Thanks to a Cat

Cats provide comfort and affection. Everyone once in a great while, they also share Bubonic plague.

Why You Should Never Use Someone Else’s Toothbrush

Using a toothbrush that doesn't belong to you isn't a romantic gesture. It's a health risk.

The ‘Seinfeld’ Double-Dip Is Exactly as Gross as It Seems, According to Science

You really don’t want to know what’s lurking in that dip.

Bummer: A Brain-Infesting Worm in Rats Can Also Attack Humans

The CDC is giving people a very good reason to wash their produce.

Antigen tests are a handy tool to reduce infection.

Your Expired At-Home COVID-19 Test Might Not Be Expired After All

Don't throw away that expired nose swab kit just yet.

Antibiotics are the first treatment for necrotizing fasciitis.

What You Should Know About Necrotizing Fasciitis, the Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infection

Here's how to stay safe when you take a dip at beaches, lakes, or rivers.

A Little-Known Tick Trick Allows Them to 'Jump' Onto Your Skin

Ticks can't fly, but they can still defy gravity to start sucking your blood.

A new Alzheimer's drug shows promise for those in the early stages of the disease.

The FDA Has Just Given Rare Approval to a New Alzheimer's Drug, Leqembi—Here's What We Know So Far

Leqembi could slow the progression of Alzheimer's, but the side effects can be severe.

DNA Analysis of Beethoven's Hair Reveals New Clues About His Death

The composer suffered from hearing loss and a number of mysterious ailments before his death at age 56. His hair is providing some answers.

Celine Dion performs in London's Hyde Park.

What Is Stiff-Person Syndrome?

Celine Dion recently announced that she has been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a rare and progressive neurological disorder that only affects about one or two out of every 1 million people.

COVID boosters targeting Omicron are here.

The CDC Has Approved New COVID Boosters Targeting Omicron Subvariants—Here's What You Should Know

Thinking of getting a booster? Here's what you should know.

Wellcome polio vaccine dropped on to sugar lump for child patient.

9 Essential Facts About Polio

Go check those medical records to see if you’re vaxxed, and meanwhile, learn more about the polio with these nine facts.

A healthcare worker prepares to administer the monkeypox vaccine in London.

7 Times the World Health Organization Declared a Public Health Emergency (Including for Monkeypox)

All of the WHO's declarations of emergency since 2007 have been for viral diseases.

Ticks are selfless when it comes to sharing the bacteria causing Lyme disease.

Over 14 Percent of the World's Population Has Contracted Lyme Disease, According to a New Study

The tick-borne illness causing inflammation and fatigue may be more prevalent than we knew.

Monkeypox is cause for some concern, but not alarm.

Monkeypox: What You Need to Know About the Disease

The blistering viral illness is seeing an uptick in cases. Here's why you shouldn't be too worried.

A cutting-edge mosquito is flying into California and Florida soon.

Billions of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Are Set to Descend on California and Florida This Summer

Californians may not know it on sight, but there’s going to be something different about their mosquitoes this summer.

An 1858 cartoon shows Death rowing down the polluted River Thames.

How London's Great Stink Turned the Tide of Victorian Pollution

In 1858, Londoners were overwhelmed with the stench rising from the River Thames. Joseph Bazalgette built an entire sewer system to get rid of of the smell.

Intestinal Worms Just Helped Researchers Identify an Ancient Roman Chamber Pot

Roughly 1500 years ago, someone in Sicily suffered from intestinal worms. Here’s why researchers are excited about that.

Here's how to make sure your masks are legitimate.

How to Identify Counterfeit N95 Masks

Packaging that says "FDA approved" is a clear sign that your N95 face mask is fake. Here's how to identify the real thing.

Watercolor drawing of the leg of a patient, age 50, who had scurvy for 12 months' standing.

11 Facts About Scurvy

Scurvy’s mysterious cause wasn’t identified until the 20th century. Here are a few facts from the disease's long and miserable history.

The plague devastated Eyam in the 17th century.

How One Small English Village Sacrificed Itself to Stop the Plague From Spreading

Eyam, England's drastic response to the plague—including quarantines and social distancing—influenced later medical practice.

This Fashion Brand Lets Shoppers Choose How Much Money Goes to Charity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Give back during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and save big during this Sleeper sale, which goes to support Kvitna, a breast cancer education charity.