Category Archives: infection

Special Topic: Death in Childbirth *long post*

Death during childbirth is an oft-used ploy in fiction. If done convincingly, it can add an intensity of tension, emotion, and tragedy to a story that few other events can, probably because the death of a mother and/or child is … Continue reading

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Infection: Malaria

I vant to suck your blood! What better time than Halloween to be thinking about blood suckers. The one you see to the right is Anopheles mosquito, and its bite probably doesn’t even hurt, though it might itch later. 41% … Continue reading

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Rare Diseases: Yersinia Plague

Yersinia plague is most famously known as The Black Death, a name given to it in the 14th century pandemic that swept away 25 million souls over the course of five horrific years. When plague is mentioned in modern times, … Continue reading

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Rare Disease Column: Tetanus

Ever gone to the ER for a few stitches in a minor wound and had the nurse ask you when your last tetanus booster was? Oh great. A shot.Well, don’t be too hard on her. Tetanus might seem like no … Continue reading

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Rare Diseases: Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing Fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease as the media likes to call it, is a rapidly spreading infection along the fascia or the layer of tissue that binds skin to muscle. This deadly disease is caused by a virulent strain of … Continue reading

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