Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are one of the most common reasons children go to their primary care provider. The infectious disease specialists at Children’s Hospital care for children and youth with a variety of infections, from minor to life-threatening. We currently have four board-certified physicians in pediatric infectious disease who are committed to providing skilled consultative services for hospitalized and ambulatory patients.

International research in rabies treatment

Infectious disease specialists from Children’s Hospital work on a national and international level, advising researchers and physicians on ways to improve rabies disease outcomes for patients with the infection. Children’s is the only program of its kind in the world aimed at preventing and treating rabies in children.

Breaking ground in HIV treatments

Our community-based approach in the care of children, youth and women with HIV infection combines intensive case management with medical care. We work with families, healthcare providers and community organizations to create a healthy environment where kids with HIV can lead full, active lives. Learn more about our HIV program.

Program highlights

International adopted children’s program

Our infectious disease specialists collaborate with developmental medicine specialists in the Children’s International Adoption Clinic to improve the health of children adopted from other countries.

Learn more about the International Adoption Clinic >>

Midwest Respiratory Virus Program (MRVP)

The Midwest Respiratory Virus Program (MRVP) developed diagnostic tests for respiratory illnesses such as influenza. These diagnostic tests are available to help local and national providers and hospitals diagnose their patient’s illness. MRVP played an important role in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic; through our close collaboration with the NIH, MRVP helped describe the epidemiology and evolution of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus.

The clinical arm of the MRVP generates weekly snapshots of viral activity in southeastern Wisconsin, which helps establish trends of viral infection in the area.