Communicable Disease
What is communicable disease?
A communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another through a variety of ways that include: contact with blood and bodily fluids; breathing in an airborne virus; or by being bitten by an insect.
Reporting of cases of communicable disease is important in the planning and evaluation of disease prevention and control programs, in the assurance of appropriate medical therapy, and in the detection of common-source outbreaks. Some examples of the reportable communicable diseases include Hepatitis A, B, & C, influenza, measles, and salmonella and other food borne illnesses.
How do these communicable disease spread?
- Physical contact with an infected person, such as through touch (staphylococcus), sexual intercourse (gonorrhea, HIV), fecal/oral transmissions (hepatitis A), or droplets (influenza, TB);
- Contact with a contaminated surface or object (Norwalk virus), food salmonella, E.coli), blood (HIV, hepatitis B), or water (cholera);
- Bites from insects or animals capable of transmitting the disease (mosquito: malaria and yellow fever; flea: plague); and
- Travel through the air, such as tuberculosis or measles.
Protect Yourself
Learn these healthy habits to protect yourself from disease and prevent germs and infectious diseases from spreading.
1. Handle & Prepare Food Safely
Food can carry germs. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often when preparing any food, especially raw meat. Don't leave food out - refrigerate promptly
2. Wash Hands Often
3. Clean & Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces
Germs can live on surfaces. Cleaning with soap and water is usually enough. However, you should disinfect your bathroom and kitchen regularly. Disinfect other areas if someone in the house is ill.
4. Cough & Sneeze Into Your Sleeve
5. Don't Share Personal Items
Avoid sharing personal items that can't be disinfected, like toothbrushes and razors, or sharing towels between washes. Needles should never be shared, should only be used once, and then thrown away properly.
6. Get Vaccinated
Vaccines can prevent many infectious diseases. There are vaccines for children and adults designed to provide protection against many communicable diseases. There are also vaccines that are recommended or required for travel to certain parts of the world.
7. Avoid Touching Wild Animals
Be cautious around wild animals as they can spread infectious diseases to you and your pet's.
8. Stay Home When Sick