New News Biology #25

Communicable Disease

Pathogens = ‘microorganisms that can cause disease’

Bacteria

Viruses

Protists

Fungi

The diseases that they caused are known as communicable diseases.

How do Pathogens Spread?

Through the air: tiny droplets carry the pathogens when we cough or sneeze

Examples of diseases that spread this way:

• Influenza

• Measles

Through contaminated food & water:

Examples of diseases that spread this way:

• Salmonella; contaminated food

• Cholera; contaminated water, is a bacterial infection

Direct Contact

Examples of diseases that spread this way:

• Athletes’ Foot; spreads through direct contact with a contaminated surface, and results in the skin on the foot to flake off

Treat a Disease = Stop it from Spreading

Hygiene; wash hands and clean cookery items constantly

Kill the Vectors; use methods such as insecticides to wipe out the organisms that transport the pathogens

Vaccination; prevent oneself from catching the disease

Quarantine or Isolate; eliminate contact entirely