How Communicable Diseases Spread Flashcards

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is a communicable disease?

A communicable disease is a disease that can spread from one person, animal or plant to another. It is caused by tiny living things called pathogens.

What has to happen for a communicable disease to spread from one host to another?

Pathogens must leave an infected host and get into a new host. They then multiply inside the new host.

How can communicable diseases spread by direct contact?

They can spread when an infected person touches another person. Pathogens in sweat, blood or other body fluids pass straight from one body to another.

How does droplet infection spread disease when people cough or sneeze?

Coughs and sneezes release tiny droplets of liquid that contain pathogens. Other people breathe in these droplets and may become infected.

How can contaminated water spread communicable diseases?

If water contains pathogens from sewage or animal waste, they can be swallowed when people drink it or wash food in it. The pathogens then enter the body and may cause disease.

How can food spread communicable diseases?

Pathogens on or in food are swallowed when the food is eaten. If food is undercooked or stored badly, the pathogens can multiply and infect people.

How can blood and other body fluids spread communicable diseases?

Sharing needles, having unprotected sex or contact with infected blood can let pathogens move straight into another person’s bloodstream. This can spread viruses and other pathogens.

How do contaminated surfaces and objects help diseases to spread?

Pathogens can live on surfaces like door handles, phones or towels. When someone touches the surface and then their mouth, nose or eyes, the pathogens can enter their body.

How can biting insects such as mosquitoes spread communicable diseases?

When a mosquito bites an infected host, it can pick up pathogens in the blood. It can then pass these pathogens into the next person or animal it bites.

How can communicable diseases in plants spread from plant to plant?

Plant pathogens can spread in wind or rain, in the soil, or in water around roots. They can also spread on tools, hands or insects that touch several plants.

Why do crowded places help communicable diseases spread more quickly?

In crowded places people stand close together, so droplets, direct contact and shared surfaces are more common. This makes it easier for pathogens to move from person to person.

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