Jasmine A.

Carambas

8-Fluorite

Communicable Disease
Communicable diseases are
caused

by pathogens passed from one human to

another. Pathogens are viral, bacterial,
parasitic and fungal. Methods of
transmission include mucus, blood,
breath, saliva and sexual contact.
Contaminated surfaces, such as
doorknobs, counter tops and

playground equipment, provide a medium for passing disease from one

human to another.

List of Communicable Diseases

1. EBOLA VIRUS- Ebola is one of several
viruses that can cause Viral Haemorrhagic
Fever. The first Ebolavirus species was
discovered in 1976 in what is now the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the
Ebola River. Since then, outbreaks have
occurred sporadically, mainly in West and
Central Africa. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has
a high mortality rate and there is no treatment
proven to be effective, although experimental treatment for EVD is
undergoing evaluation.

How Ebola Transferred:

Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a
person who is sick with Ebola; the virus is not transmitted through the air (like
measles virus). However, large droplets (splashes or sprays) of respiratory or other
secretions from a person who is sick with Ebola could be infectious, and therefore
certain precautions (called standard, contact, and droplet precautions) are

recommended for use in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of Ebola

from patients to healthcare personnel and other patients or family members.

How to Prevent Ebola:

There is as yet no vaccine available to prevent Ebola infection.

The aim of all

prevention techniques is to avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of infected
persons.

This includes avoiding travel to areas where Ebola outbreaks are

occurring, and taking precautions when providing health care for potentially
infectious persons. Precautions may include wearing of protective clothing (such as
masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles), using infection-control measures (such as
complete equipment sterilization and routine use of disinfectant), and isolating
patients with Ebola from contact with unprotected persons.

How Ebola Communicates:

Ebola does not spread as easily as more common illnesses such as colds, the flu, or
measles. There is NO evidence that the virus that causes Ebola is spread through
the air or water. A person who has Ebola CANNOT spread the disease until
symptoms appear.

2.HIV/AIDS-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

destroys or impairs the immune system of the people
it infects. As the immune system weakens individuals
become more at risk to infections. As condition
progresses, the immune system becomes weaker and
the individual becomes more at risk to acquired
immunodeficiency
advanced stage of HIV.

syndrome

(AIDS),

the

most

Because of advances in medicines called antiretroviral

drugs, many people with HIV live for 15 years or more before symptoms of AIDS
appear.

How HIV/AIDS Transferred:

HIV enters the body through open cuts, sores or breaks in the skin; through
mucous membranes, such as those inside the anus or vagina; or through direct
injection. There are several ways by which this can happen:

Sexual contact with an infected person. Anal or vaginal intercourse without a

condom with a partner who is either positive or does not know his or her HIV
status account for the vast majority of sexually-transmitted HIV cases in the U.S.
and elsewhere. Oral sex is not an efficient route of HIV transmission. To learn
more about the "theoretical risk" of oral sex and HIV transmission, click here.
Kissing, massage, masturbation and "hand jobs" do not spread HIV.
Sharing needles, syringes or other injection equipment with someone who is

infected.

Mother-to-child transmission. Babies born to HIV-positive women can be

infected with the virus before or during birth, or through breastfeeding after
birth.

Transmission in health care settings. Healthcare professionals have been

infected with HIV in the workplace, usually after being stuck with needles or sharp
objects containing HIV-infected blood.

Transmission via donated blood or blood clotting factors. However, this is now
very rare in countries where blood is screened for HIV antibodies, including in the
United States.

How to Prevent HIV/AIDS:

Get tested and know your partners HIV status. Talk to your partner about HIV

testing and get tested before you have sex.

Have less risky sex. Oral sex is much less risky than anal or vaginal sex. Anal sex
is the most risky type of sex for the spread of HIV.
Use condoms. Use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Read
this fact sheet on how to use condoms correctly.
Limit your number of sexual partners. If you have more than one sexual partner,
get tested for HIV regularly. Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), and insist that your partners do, too. Having an STI can increase
your risk of becoming infected with HIV.

Dont inject drugs. But if you do, use only sterile drug injection equipment and
water and never share your equipment with others.

How HIV/AIDS Communicates:

Risk tells us about the possibility of harm. In the context of HIV prevention, it
refers to the chance that specific activities or actions will result in HIV
transmission.
Risk can generally be communicated to clients in two ways:
As a numerical expression. For example, the average risk of HIV
transmission during one act of unprotected receptive anal sex is 1.4%; or
antiretroviral treatment can reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission
by up to 96%.
As a qualitative expression. For example, the risk of HIV transmission during
unprotected receptive anal sex is very high; or antiretroviral treatment can be
highly effective at reducing the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission.

3. TUBERCULOSIS
- Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a
bacterial infection that can spread through the
lymph nodes and bloodstream to any organ in
your body. It is most often found in the lungs.
Most people who are exposed to TB never
develop symptoms because the bacteria can live
in an inactive form in the body. But if the immune
system weakens, such as in people with HIV or
elderly adults, TB bacteria can become active. In their active state, TB bacteria
cause death of tissue in the organs they infect. Active TB disease can be fatal if
left untreated.

How to Prevent Tuberculosis:

Active tuberculosis (TB) is very contagious. The World Health Organization

(WHO) estimates that one-third of the world's population is infected with the
bacteria that cause TB.
To avoid getting an active TB infection:

Do not spend long periods of time in stuffy, enclosed rooms with anyone who
has active TB until that person has been treated for at least 2 weeks.
Use protective measures, such as face masks, if you work in a facility that cares
for people who have untreated TB.
If you live with someone who has active TB, help and encourage the person to
follow treatment instructions.

How Tuberculosis Transferred:

When people with TB in their lungs or throat cough, laugh, sneeze, sing, or even
talk, the germs that cause TB may be spread into the air. If another person
breathes in these germs there is a chance that they will become infected with
tuberculosis. Repeated contact is usually required for infection.
Someone with TB disease is sick and can spread the disease to other people. A
person with TB disease needs to see a doctor as soon as possible.
It is not easy to become infected with tuberculosis. Usually a person has to be
close to someone with TB disease for a long period of time. TB is usually spread
between family members, close friends, and people who work or live together. TB is
spread most easily in closed spaces over a long period of time. However,
transmission in an airplane, although rare, has been documented. Even if someone
becomes infected with tuberculosis that does not mean they will get TB disease.
Most people who become infected do not develop TB disease because their body's
defences protect them.

How Tuberculosis Communicates:

Scientists have discovered how the body's immune system detects the tuberculosis
bacterium, a finding that could aid the development of novel vaccines and drugs to
artificially trigger an immune response. The research was published in Science last
week (19 October).
The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects one-third of the world's
population and is responsible for two million deaths each year. Paul Leaner of the

UK-based Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and colleagues identified a

receptor on the host cells known as CCR5 that triggers the immune cells' response
to tuberculosis (TB).
The team demonstrated that without this receptor, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis was able to thrive inside host cells, as the immune cells did not receive
the signal from CCR5 to attack them.
"These results describe a novel mechanism whereby Mycobacterium
tuberculosis communicates with the human immune system," says Beate Kamp mann
at the UK-based Welcome Centre for Clinical Tropical Medicine, one of the study's
authors.

4. INFLUENZA- Influenza is a viral infection that

attacks your respiratory system your nose, throat
and lungs. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is not
the same as the stomach "flu" viruses that cause
diarrhea and vomiting.
Influenza and its complications can be deadly.

How to Prevent Influenza:

Vaccination is the best way to protect you from the flu.
There are additional steps you can take to keep yourself and your family healthy
this flu season.
There are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the
flu.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your
stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the
tissue in the trash after you use it.

How Influenza Transferred:

The flu is a highly contagious disease. The flu virus is spread when you either inhale
infected droplets in the air (spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes) or
when you come in direct contact with an infected person's secretions (by kissing,
touching, sharing objects such as spoons and forks). You can also transfer the flu
virus to your hands by touching smooth surfaces such as doorknobs, handles,
television remotes, computer keyboards, and telephones. Then when you touch your
hands to your nose, eyes, or mouth, the flu virus gets absorbed.

How Influenza Communicates:

People who have the flu may spread it to others about 1 day before getting sick to
5 -7 days after. Children and people with weak immune systems can spread the flu
virus for a longer period of time. However, people are most contagious during the
first three days of illness.
5. MEASLES- Measles is a highly infectious illness
caused by a virus. The virus lives in the mucus of the
nose and throat of people with this infection.
Physical contact, coughing and sneezing can spread
the infection. In addition, infected droplets of
mucus can remain active and contagious for around
two hours.

How to Prevent Measles:

Routine measles vaccination for children combined with mass immunization

campaigns in countries with high case and death rates are key public health
strategies to reduce global measles deaths. The measles vaccine has been in use
for 50 years. It is safe, effective and inexpensive.

How Measles Transferred:

The measles virus is highly contagious. Measles is spread through droplet

transmission from the nose, throat, and mouth of someone who is infected with the
virus. These droplets are sprayed out when the infected person coughs or sneezes.
Among unimmunized people exposed to the virus, over 90% will contract the
disease. The infected person is highly contagious for four days before the rash
appears until four days after the rash appears.

How Measles Communicate:

The flu communicates through tiny wet drops produced when a person coughs,
sneezes, or talks. A person can get the flu by breathing in these wet drops, or by
touching items and surfaces covered with these drops and then touching their
mouth, nose, or eyes.
People who have the flu may spread it to others about 1 day before getting sick to
5 -7 days after. Children and people with weak immune systems can spread the flu
virus for a longer period of time. However, people are most contagious during the
first three days of illness.

6.

CHICKEN

POX- Chickenpox is a highly

contagious disease caused by primary infection with

varicella zoster virus (VZV). It usually starts with a
vesicular skin rash mainly on the body and head
rather than on the limbs. The rash develops into
itchy, raw pockmarks, which mostly heal without
scarring.

How Chicken Pox Transferred:

The virus spreads in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be
spread by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters.
Chickenpox can also be spread from people with shingles. Varicella-zoster virus also
causes shingles.

How Chicken Pox Communicate:

Through inhalation of airborne droplets & direct contact of weeping lesions &
contaminated linens.

How to Prevent Chicken Pox:

1. Get vaccinated
The chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent
chickenpox. The vaccine will protect 70% to 90%
of vaccinated people from ever being infected,
and will significantly reduce the severity of the
illness in the small percentage who do develop it.
Vaccination not only protects vaccinated persons,
it also reduces exposure in the community for
those unable to be vaccinated because of illness or other circumstances.
Vaccination in children: Since the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in
1995, it is recommended that all children get vaccinated between the ages of 12
and 18 months, and again between 4 and 6 years. The chickenpox (or varicella)
vaccine is combined with the vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella, in what is
known as the MMRV vaccine.
Vaccination in adults: Most adults do not require vaccination, as they were
most likely infected with the virus at some point in their childhood. People who
have already had chickenpox are immune to the varicella virus.
High-risk groups: However, adults who have never contracted chickenpox in
the past do not have immunity to the virus and should consider getting
vaccinated. This is particularly important for certain "high-risk" groups, such as
teachers, day-care workers, healthcare workers, those in contact with people
with compromised immune systems (such as HIV patients), international
travellers and non-pregnant women of childbearing age.
Testing for immunity: If you are unsure whether or not you are immune to the
chickenpox virus and think you might be at risk, see a healthcare professional.
They can administer a simple blood test to check for immunity to varicella. If
you are not immune, you can then organize to receive the varicella vaccination.
2. Avoid children and adults with chickenpox. Chickenpox is highly contagious it is spread through airborne traces of the virus (via coughing and sneezing)
and through physical contact with the chickenpox rash on an infected person.

 Therefore, if you believe you or your child

are at risk of developing chickenpox, it is
important to stay away from other
children/adults with the virus.
Keep in mind that chickenpox is contagious
from up to two days before the rash develops
until the last blister has dried up and crusted
over.
It is particularly important for non-immune
people in certain "high-risk" groups to avoid coming in contact with the
chickenpox virus, as they can become seriously ill after exposure.
People at "high-risk" include newborn babies, pregnant women and people with
compromised immune systems, such as HIV patients and those who have
recently received organ transplants.[2]

3. Disinfect your house. If you are living in a

house with an infected child or adult, you can
help to prevent the virus from being passed
on to someone else by regularly disinfecting
countertops, tables, chairs, toys and other
surfaces which may have come in contact with
the infected person.
You should also make sure that the clothes and bed sheets of the infected child or
adult are regularly and thoroughly washed.[3]

How Chicken Pox Communicates:

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox. The disease is highly
contagious -- over 90% of nonimmune individuals will develop chickenpox following
exposure. VZV is communicable by both direct skin-to-skin contact and via
respiratory droplets (for example, coughing, sneezing) from the infected individual.

7. PNEUMONIA- Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting

primarily the microscopic air sacs known as alveoli. It is usually caused by infection
with viruses or bacteria and less commonly other microorganisms, certain drugs and
other conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

How to Prevent Pneumonia:

Get a seasonal flu shot. The influenza virus
can be a direct cause of viral pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia is also a common
complication of the flu. A yearly flu shot
provides significant protection.
Get a pneumonia vaccination. Doctors
recommend a one-time vaccine against Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria
(pneumococcus) for everyone older than age 65, as well as for people of any age
residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and for smokers.

The vaccine is especially recommended for anyone at high risk of

pneumococcal pneumonia. Some doctors recommend a booster shot five years
after the first dose.

Have your child vaccinated. Doctors recommend a different pneumonia

vaccine for all children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2 to 5 years
who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease. Children who attend a group
day care center should also get the vaccine. Doctors also recommend seasonal
flu shots for children older than six months.

Practice good hygiene. To protect yourself against ordinary respiratory

infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia, wash your hands regularly or use
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defences against

respiratory infections.

Stay rested and fit. Proper rest, a healthy diet and moderate exercise can
help keep your immune system strong.

Set an example. Stay home when you're sick. When you're in public and have
a cold, catch your coughs and sneezes in the inner crook of your elbow.

How Pneumonia Communicates:

The germs that can cause pneumonia are usually breathed in. People often have
small amounts of germs in their nose and throat that can be passed on through:

 Coughs and sneezes these launches tiny droplets of fluid containing germs
into the air, which someone else can breathe in.
Touching an object and transferring germs onto it someone else can touch
this object, and then touch their own mouth or nose.

How Pneumonia Transferred:

A person who is sick with Pneumonia infection has these bacteria in their nose,
throat, windpipe, and lungs. Pneumonia is transmitted (spread) from person-toperson through airborne droplets. People who are sick with Pneumonia infection
usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with
others, who then breathe in the bacteria.

and is called sarcoptic mange.

8. SCABIES- also known colloquially as the

seven-year itch, is a contagious skin infection
caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The
mite is a tiny, and usually not directly visible,
parasite which burrows under the host's skin,
which in most people causes an intense itching
sensation caused by an allergic response. The
infection in animals other than humans is
caused by a different but related mite species,

How to Prevent Scabies:

Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infested.
Avoid items like bedding or clothing recently used by an infected person.
Household members of an infected person, or others, who have been exposed,
should be treated.
Wash clothing and bedding used by an infected person in the previous 24
hours in hot water in the washing machine and high heat in a dryer. If items
can't be washed, they can be dry cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two
weeks.
Do not use pesticide sprays or fogs since they are not necessary for scabies
and can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed by the skin.

How Scabies Communicate:

Transmitted skin to skin contact.Transfer from underwear & bedclothes.

Scabies is communicable until mites and eggs are destroyed by treatment,
usually two courses one week apart. Itching may persist for two or more weeks
after successful eradication of the mite.

How Scabies Transferred:

Scabies is spread by prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.
Scabies sometimes also can be spread by contact with items such as clothing,
bedding, or towels that have been used by a person with scabies, but such spread is
very uncommon unless the infested person has crusted scabies.
9. RABIES-

is a viral disease that causes acute

inflammation of the brain in humans and other

warm-blooded animals. Early symptoms can include
fever and tingling at the site of exposure. These
symptoms are followed by one or more of the
following

symptoms:

violent

movements,

uncontrolled excitement, and fear of water, an

inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and
loss of consciousness. After symptoms appear,
rabies almost always results in death.

How Rabies Transferred:

Rabies is transmitted to humans from other animals. Rabies can be transmitted
when an infected animal scratches or bites another animal or human. Saliva from an
infected animal can also transmit rabies if the saliva comes into contact with a
mucous membrane of another animal or human. Most rabies cases in humans are the
result of dog bites.

How Rabies Communicate:

The period of communicability is the time period that an animal can transmit rabies
to another animal or a human. Animals may be able to transmit the virus during the
period that they show symptoms of rabies (if there is infectious virus in their

saliva). They may also be capable of transmitting the virus before showing
symptoms of rabies. For example, dogs and cats may transmit the virus for three
to seven days prior to showing symptoms and bats may transmit the virus for 12
days prior to showings symptoms of rabies.

How to Prevent Rabies:

Do not feed or handle wild or stray animals, especially those that appear
aggressive, sick or exhibit any abnormal behavior.
Do not keep a wild animal as a pet.
Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control for assistance.
Have your pets vaccinated against rabies according to instructions from your
veterinarian.
Keep your pets indoors at night so they do not come in contact with wild
animals.
Keep your pets on a leash.
Report stray animals to your local animal control office so that an animal
control officer can investigate.
If your cat or dog has been bitten or attacked by a wild animal or has bites or
scratches of unknown origin, seek veterinary assistance for the animal
immediately.
Don't leave table scraps or leftover pet food outside where it will attract
wild animals.
If your cat or dog has bitten a person, contact your local public health unit to
report the incident.
Reduce your chances of contact by animal-proofing your house, cottage and
workplace.
10.Pertussis- commonly called whooping cough is a highly
contagious bacterial disease caused by Bordet Ella pertussis.
In some countries, this disease is called the 100 days' cough
or cough of 100 days.

How to Prevent Pertussis:

The primary method of prevention for pertussis is vaccination. There is

insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of antibiotics in those who
have been exposed but are without symptoms. Preventative antibiotics, however,
are still frequently used in those who have been exposed and are at high risk of
severe disease (such as infants).

How Pertussis Communicate:

It is highly communicable in the early catarrhal stage before the onset of
paroxysmal cough. Thereafter communicability decreases and becomes negligible in
about three weeks. When treated with a macrolide antibiotic the period of
infectivity usually lasts five days or less after commencement of therapy.

How Pertussis Transferred:

Pertussis or whooping cough is spread by tiny wet drops produced when an
infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. People with whooping cough can spread
the disease from the time they get a runny nose until 3 weeks after their cough
starts. People with whooping cough can prevent spreading the disease if they take
the right antibiotics.