Noting the rapid changes occurring in the world of infectious diseases, this book provides updated information for care providers, educators, and parents on the increasingly complex issues of childhood infection. The book is organized into two parts. The first part discusses general considerations for group settings. Chapter 1 introduces the problem of infectious diseases and discusses the factors that determine the likelihood of infection. Chapter 2 addresses basic principles of hygiene and infection control, presents a historical overview, and discusses ways infection can be transmitted. Chapter 3 reviews children's immunizations and their side effects. Chapter 4 discusses the causes, symptoms, and complications of fever. Chapter 5 examines factors that contribute to the spread of diseases in day care centers and poses guidelines for disease prevention, while chapter 6 discusses the infectious diseases and immunizations of concern for day care providers. The book's second section examines the following specific infections in children: (1) diseases of the eyes and mouth; (2) ear infections; (3) meningitis, encephalitis, and other infections of the nervous system; (4) respiratory illnesses; (5) gastrointestinal diseases and hepatitis; (6) genital and urinary tract infections; (7) rashes and skin infections; (8) cytomegalovirus, herpes, and other congenital infections; (9) Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS); (10) parasites; and (11) lyme disease and infection-related conditions. The four appendixes contain parent handouts on infectious diseases, instructions for proper hand-washing and diapering techniques, and a listing of additional resources. (AA)