Communicable Diseases
Communicable Diseases
Communicable Diseases (pronunciation: kuh-myoo-ni-kuh-buhl dih-zeez) are illnesses caused by pathogens and parasites in human populations. These diseases are spread either directly through contact with an infected individual, or indirectly through vectors such as insects or the environment.
Etymology
The term "Communicable Diseases" originates from the Latin word "communicare", which means to share. It refers to diseases that can be "shared" between individuals.
Types of Communicable Diseases
There are several types of Communicable Diseases, including:
- Infectious Diseases: These are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. Examples include Influenza, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis.
- Vector-Borne Diseases: These are infections transmitted by the bite of infected arthropod species, such as mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, blackflies, etc. Examples include Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Zika Virus.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): These are infections that are commonly spread by sexual activity, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex. Examples include Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
- Zoonotic Diseases: These are diseases spread between animals and people. Examples include Rabies, Lyme Disease, and West Nile Virus.
Prevention and Control
Prevention and control of Communicable Diseases primarily involves the interruption of disease spread from the source to the susceptible individual. This can be achieved through:
- Immunization: This is the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent.
- Sanitation: This involves the provision of access to clean drinking water, and adequate disposal of sewage.
- Personal Hygiene: This includes regular hand washing, and maintaining cleanliness.
- Safe Food Handling: This involves practices that prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Safe Sex Practices: This includes the use of condoms and regular testing for STDs.
Related Terms
- Epidemiology: This is the study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
- Pandemic: This is an epidemic of an infectious disease that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents, or worldwide.
- Endemic: This refers to the constant presence and/or usual prevalence of a disease or infectious agent in a population within a geographic area.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Communicable Diseases
- Wikipedia's article - Communicable Diseases
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