Diseases from A to Z
Infectious diseases or communicable diseases (e.g. flu, measles, HIV, borreliosis) and non-communicable diseases (e.g. diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular diseases): Information on this you can find in this section.
A
AIDS
AIDS is the acronym for “Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome”. It is the late sequela of an infection with HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
C
Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is generally transmitted via contaminated food such as undercooked meat (poultry in particular), and often causes diarrhoea. Consistent kitchen hygiene is essential to its prevention.
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)
Bacteria that are becoming resistant to antibiotics – and which therefore represent a current or existing threat to public health – are monitored. These bacteria include Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE).
Chickenpox / Shingles
Chickenpox (varicella) is often harmless in healthy children, but once infected it can lead to shingles (herpes zoster) later in life.
Chikungunya
The chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitoes such as the Asian tiger mosquito. Taking measures to mitigate mosquito bites is currently the best practise for protection against chikungunya virus infection.
Chlamydia
Chlamydial infections are caused by bacteria. Transmission occurs through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal intercourse or during birth from the mother to the child. A chlamydial infection is treatable with antibiotics.
Cholera
Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease. It can cause a substantial loss of body fluids that may lead to kidney failure or even death. The cholera vaccination offers only limited protection. Travellers are urged to “boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it”, and to practise good personal hygiene.
COVID-19
Information on COVID-19, the symptoms and the range of illness severity as well as the origin of the coronavirus.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is caused by a type of abnormal folding of a protein in the brain. Those affected lose their mental capacities and develop movement disorders. No cure is yet available, and the disease is fatal.
D
Dengue
The dengue virus is transmitted by various mosquitoes, and has spread extensively worldwide, however, no transmissions have been observed in Switzerland. For travellers to regions in which cases of dengue are known, protection from mosquito bites is currently the best preventive advice.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by bacteria found all over the world. The pathogen produces a strong toxin that permanently damages organs like the heart and lungs. A very effective vaccination provides protection from the disease.
E
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli
EHEC bacteria are transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water. The infection can cause diarrhoea. EHEC can best be prevented via strict and consistent kitchen hygiene.
G
Gonorrhoea (clap)
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection. It is transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal intercourse as well as from the mother to the child during birth. It can be treated with antibiotics.
H
Haemophilus influenzae
The Haemophilus influenzae type B bacterium causes severe infections, such as purulent meningitis, and these occur mainly in infants and young children. Vaccinating children provides effective protection against the disease.
Hantavirus infections
Hantaviruses are found in small mammals such as mice. The virus is transmitted through bites, contact with animals and ingesting contaminated dust. Infection is best prevented by avoiding contact with rodents and their faeces.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infectious liver inflammation, triggered by the hepatitis A virus. Transmission is faecal-oral. Many of those infected develop jaundice. The infection leaves behind a life-long immunity. A vaccine is available.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infectious liver inflammation, triggered by the hepatitis B virus. Transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids of infected persons. The majority will rapidly and spontaneously recover from the acute inflammation. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an infectious liver inflammation, triggered by the hepatitis C virus. Transmission occurs via the blood of an infected person. The majority will experience chronic inflammation. However it can be cured. There is no vaccination currently available.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is an infectious inflammation of the liver. In industrialised countries it is primarily spread through contaminated foodstuffs. Persons infected may develop jaundice. Most cases of hepatitis E heal without treatment.
Herpes simplex (HSV-1, HSV-2)
The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) mainly causes infections in the mouth and facial area ("fever blisters"), whereas the type 2 virus (HSV-2) is predominantly found in the genital region (Herpes genitalis).
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV are transmitted sexually and can lead to the development of cancer, and cervical cancer in particular. Vaccination can protect against infection with important types of the virus.
I
Seasonal flu (influenza)
The flu is a common infectious disease in wintertime. The risk of getting the flu and its complications can be reduced by vaccination. It is recommended for risk groups and their contact persons.
L
Legionellosis (Legionnaires' disease)
Legionellosis is first and foremost a disease of the respiratory tract. It is caused by bacteria of the Legionella genus which are found naturally in water. Infection occurs primarily through inhaling aerosols – fine water droplets – that contain Legionella bacteria.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is transmitted via food, and is a particular risk to persons in weaker health, pregnant women, newborns and older people. In addition to good kitchen hygiene, the main preventive recommendations are to avoid eating raw meat and vegetables.
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by serotypes L1, L2 and L3 of Chlamydia trachomatis and is sexually transmitted. It can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral and anal intercourse.
M
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening tropical disease that is spread to humans by mosquitoes. Anyone planning to travel to a malaria region is strongly advised to inform themselves in advance how best to prevent infection.
Measles
Measles can occur at any age, sometimes causing very serious complications. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide life-long protection against the complications of measles, mumps and German measles.
Meningococcal disease
Meningococci can cause serious illnesses, particularly among infants, small children and adolescents and among those at higher risk of infection or of developing complications. Vaccination is recommended for all such groups.
Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a new coronavirus that causes acute pneumonia. It was discovered in 2012 in a patient in the Middle East.
Mpox (Monkeypox)
The mpox virus (formerly known as the monkeypox) is largely spread through close and primarily sexual contact. Cases of the disease are generally mild. A vaccination is available.
Mumps
Mumps is a usually mild disease, which can affect children and adults. However, in affected men, a painful testicular swelling can occur. For routine immunisation, 2 doses of an MMR vaccine are recommended for all infants.
N
Norovirus
Noroviruses cause diarrhoea. They are transmitted through the mouth or nose, causing copious vomiting and severe diarrhoea. Noroviruses occur throughout the world. No medication or vaccine is available to prevent infection.
P
Pneumococcal disease
Severe pneumococcal diseases such as meningitis largely affect children under two years of age. Infant vaccination reduces the risk of infection in early years.
Poliomyelitis (polio)
While the global health community is now close to eradicating poliomyelitis (often referred to as polio) worldwide, this objective has not yet been achieved. As a result, polio vaccinations are still required in countries now free of the disease; and booster vaccinations in adulthood may also be recommended before travel to certain destinations.
Q
Q fever
Q fever is caused by inhaling dust that is infected with the pathogen or through direct contact with an infected animal. It is normally treated with antibiotics. The actions to prevent it lie in the veterinary medicine field.
R
Rabies
Rabies is a disease that is transmitted to humans through bite or scratch wounds made by an infected animal or through contact with their saliva. Rabies vaccination is recommended for some professions, for travellers to certain areas and after possible infection.
Rare diseases
Although rare diseases may be individually rare, they are collectively common. In Switzerland, over half a million people are affected by a rare disease.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RS viruses cause colds and bronchiolitis during the winter half-year. They often lead to hospitalisation. Now there are possibilities for prevention, including the antibody Nirsevimab for newborns and infants.
Rubella
Rubella is a highly contagious infectious disease, which can lead to malformations during pregnancy or even death of the child in the womb. 2 doses of a MMR-vaccine are recommended for all infants.
S
Salmonellosis
Salmonella bacteria are transmitted through contaminated food. The resulting disease – salmonellosis – often first presents in the form of sudden diarrhoea, and is generally mild. In prevention terms, good kitchen hygiene is important, especially when working with meat products or raw eggs.
Seasonal flu (influenza)
The flu is a common infectious disease in wintertime. The risk of getting the flu and its complications can be reduced by vaccination. It is recommended for risk groups and their contact persons.
Sexually transmitted infections
Here you can find out everything you need to know about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. How are they transmitted? How can you avoid infection? Where can you get counselling and testing?
Shigellosis
Shigellosis is transmitted via contaminated food or drinking water. Travellers are advised to follow the well-known advice of “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it”, and to generally maintain good personal hygiene.
Chickenpox / Shingles
Chickenpox (varicella) is often harmless in healthy children, but once infected it can lead to shingles (herpes zoster) later in life.
Syphilis
La syphilis est une infection sexuellement transmissible. Elle se transmet par voie sexuelle, ou de la mère à l'enfant durant la grossesse ou l'accouchement. La syphilis peut être traitée par des antibiotiques.
T
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
TBE is a disease that is transmitted through the bite of an infectious tick. There are various preventive measures. Vaccination is recommended for people aged 6 and over who live in risk areas.
Trichinellosis
Trichinellosis is caused by eating raw or undercooked meat which contains trichinella larvae. The disease is rare in Switzerland, and can be treated with anthelmintic drugs.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomonads are parasites that are often transmitted through sexual contact. Trichomoniasis can be cured with antiparasitic drugs.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a disease that can be transmitted through the air by the coughing of infected individuals. Switzerland sees around 550 cases of tuberculosis a year, most of them among immigrants to the country.
Tularaemia
Tularaemia is transmitted by small mammals, ticks and insects. It is rare in Switzerland, and usually occurs in connection with tick bites, or with the hunting, skinning or slaughtering of animals. Tularaemia can generally be treated with antibiotics.
Typhoid / Paratyphoid fever
Typhoid fever is transmitted via contaminated food or drinking water. Typhoid vaccination is recommended before any travel to a region with a risk of typhoid infection. And when in such regions, people are advised to follow the well-known “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it” guidelines and to be sure to maintain good personal hygiene.
W
West-Nile-Fever (WNV)
The West Nile virus is primarily found in wild birds, though it can also be transmitted to humans (and horses) by mosquitoes. Protection from mosquito bites is the main preventive recommendation. In Switzerland, the West Nile virus was first detected in native mosquitoes in August 2022.
Y
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a potentially fatal disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is found in Africa and in Central and South America. Yellow fever vaccination is sometimes mandatory, so anyone travelling to such regions should find out in advance if such precautions are required.
Z
Zika virus
Although its effects are usually mild, a Zika virus infection can occasionally lead to serious neurological complications (microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome).
Index
Further topics
Communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases cause a great deal of suffering and are among the leading causes of death in Switzerland. We work with other stakeholders to develop and coordinate prevention measures.
Malattie non trasmissibili
Le malattie non contagiose o non trasmissibili, come il cancro o le malattie cardiovascolari, causano molta sofferenza e sono tra le cause di morte più frequenti in Svizzera. In collaborazione con altri attori elaboriamo e coordiniamo misure di prevenzione.
Health promotion & prevention
Vaccinations and preventive healthcare can eliminate or reduce illness and the resulting costs. That’s why we promote the health literacy of people in Switzerland. A healthy lifestyle helps ensure good health.