Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that are capable of being transmitted from one person to another. These diseases can be spread through direct contact, bodily fluids, airborne particles, or the bites of infected insects.
The 10 Most Common Communicable Diseases
1. Tuberculosis (TB): TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It affects the lungs and can spread to other organs in the body. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, fever, and night sweats.
2. HIV/AIDS: HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV can be spread through contact with infected blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection and is characterized by a weakened immune system that makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections.
3. Influenza (Flu): Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract that is spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and a dry cough.
4. Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
5. Measles: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that is spread through contact with an infected person. Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough, and a red rash.
6. Rotavirus: Rotavirus is a viral infection that affects the intestines and is spread through contact with contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
7. Mumps: Mumps is a viral infection that is spread through contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, headache, and swollen salivary glands.
8. Chickenpox: Chickenpox is a viral infection that is spread through contact with an infected person. Symptoms include a red rash, itching, and fever.
9. Whooping Cough: Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that is spread through contact with an infected person. Symptoms include a severe cough, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
10. Strep Throat: Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is spread through contact with an infected person. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.