A communicable disease, also known as an infectious or transmissible disease, is an illness caused by viruses or bacteria that spreads from one person to another. This transmission can occur through various means, including contact with contaminated surfaces, bodily fluids, blood products, insect bites, or airborne particles. [1]
How Communicable Diseases Spread
Communicable diseases spread through different modes of transmission:
- Direct contact: Physical contact with an infected person, such as touching, kissing, or sexual contact.
- Indirect contact: Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites), such as doorknobs, shared utensils, or toys.
- Droplet transmission: Inhalation of respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Vector-borne transmission: Transmission through the bite of an infected insect or animal, such as mosquitoes or ticks.
- Bloodborne transmission: Transmission through contact with infected blood or blood products.
Examples of Communicable Diseases
Many diseases fall under the category of communicable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights several key examples, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and neglected tropical diseases. [2] Other examples include influenza, measles, and chickenpox.
Public Health Importance
The control and prevention of communicable diseases is a major focus of public health efforts worldwide. Health departments actively monitor and report cases of communicable diseases to manage outbreaks and protect the public. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] This includes establishing policies and procedures for handling emergencies involving these diseases. [10]
[1] Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria that people spread to one another through contact with contaminated surfaces, bodily fluids, blood products, insect bites, or the air.
[2] WHO's work includes addressing communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, viral hepatitis, STIs, and neglected tropical diseases.
