Communicable diseases are those caused by viruses, bacteria, and other microbes. Among the most well-known communicable diseases, otherwise known as infectious diseases, include sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and leprosy.
These diseases are readily transferable, often through contact with someone carrying the disease.
They can be spread by direct human contact, through air or water, and by insects. Many health officials predict an increase in communicable diseases in the coming years, including the reemergence of diseases such as tuberculosis that were thought to have been virtually eradicated.
One cause for concern is antibiotic-resistant microbes, which make illnesses more life-threatening because existing treatments are less effective.
There is also a growing concern about the use of disease-causing microbes as weapons in the form of biological warfare or bioterrorism.
The reports of anthrax sent by mail are a well-known recent example. Smallpox is one other potential threat, but the risk of bioterrorism occurring is unknown.
These diseases are readily transferable, often through contact with someone carrying the disease.
They can be spread by direct human contact, through air or water, and by insects. Many health officials predict an increase in communicable diseases in the coming years, including the reemergence of diseases such as tuberculosis that were thought to have been virtually eradicated.
One cause for concern is antibiotic-resistant microbes, which make illnesses more life-threatening because existing treatments are less effective.
There is also a growing concern about the use of disease-causing microbes as weapons in the form of biological warfare or bioterrorism.
The reports of anthrax sent by mail are a well-known recent example. Smallpox is one other potential threat, but the risk of bioterrorism occurring is unknown.
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