Health CNN Wire

Here's a look at Ebola, a virus with a high fatality rate that was first identified in Africa in 1976.FactsEbola hemorrhagic fever is a disease caused by one of five different Ebola viruses. Four of the strains can cause severe…

(CNN) — Here’s some background information about cloning, a process of creating an identical copy of an original.FactsReproductive Cloning is the process of making a full living copy of an organism. Reproductive cloning of animals transplants nuclei from body cells…

Here's some background information about cloning, a process of creating an identical copy of an original.FactsReproductive Cloning is the process of making a full living copy of an organism. Reproductive cloning of animals transplants nuclei from body cells into eggs…

(CNN) — Here’s a look at cholera, an acute diarrheal infection that has killed thousands of people worldwide. FactsCholera is contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. The bacteria is usually found in water contaminated…

Here's a look at cholera, an acute diarrheal infection that has killed thousands of people worldwide. FactsCholera is contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. The bacteria is usually found in water contaminated with feces.Dehydration…

(CNN) — Here is a look at autism.Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) incorporates a group of neurodevelopmental disorders causing impaired communication skills and social skills. ASD generally starts before three years of age and lasts a lifetime, but early…

Here's a look at obesity in the United States. A person is considered to be obese when he or she reaches a particular body mass index (BMI).Adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while adults with…

Here's some background information about SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome. Since 2004, there have been no known cases of SARS reported anywhere in the world.General InformationSARS is an acute viral respiratory illness brought on by a coronavirus.Symptoms include fever, cough,…

(CNN) — Here’s some background information about sarin, a man-made nerve agent developed for chemical warfare. FactsSarin is a liquid that is clear, colorless, tasteless and odorless. Sarin is an extremely volatile nerve agent because of its ability to change…

(CNN) — Here’s a look at avian flu.Avian influenza, also called avian flu or bird flu, is an illness that usually affects only birds. There are many different strains of avian flu: 16 H subtypes and 9 N subtypes. Only…

(CNN) — Here’s a look at the 2001 anthrax attacks, also referred to as Amerithrax.Facts about anthraxThere are four types of anthrax infection: cutaneous (through the skin), inhalation (through the lungs; the most deadly), gastrointestinal (through digestion) and injection anthrax.…

(CNN) — Here is a look at Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that leads to loss of memory and other intellectual abilities.FactsAlzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which is a general term for the loss of…

Here is a look at Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that leads to loss of memory and other intellectual abilities.FactsAlzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, which is a general term for the loss of memory and…

(CNN) — Here’s a look at the origins, treatments and global response to HIV and AIDS.FactsHIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.HIV/AIDS is spread through sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles with an infected…

Here's a look at the origins, treatments and global response to HIV and AIDS.FactsHIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.HIV/AIDS is spread through sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles with an infected person, through…

(CNN) — Here’s a look at conjoined twins.Conjoined twins are physically connected to one another at some point on their bodies.Conjoined twins occur once every 200,000 live births, according to the University of Minnesota. About 70% of conjoined twins are…

(CNN) — Here is some background information about stem cells.Scientists believe that stem cell research can be used to treat medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. About Stem CellsSources:…

(CNN) — Here’s a look at Tuberculosis (also known as TB), an infection, caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that usually affects the lungs. It can also infect other parts of the body including the kidneys, spine and brain.…