Communicable Diseases and You

What is a Disease? A disease is a condition or illness that affects the proper and usual functioning of the body or mind of an individual.

Non-Communicable Disease A Non-communicable disease I NOT spread by contact with others and may be caused by living conditions, genetics, or environmental hazards.

What is a Communicable Disease? A communicable disease is one that can be passed from one individual to another. A communicable disease is caused by an organism so small it can only be seen by using a microscope.

GERMS Disease causing organisms are usually called GERMS. When germs enter the body, they grow, reproduce and frequently produce waste products that are poisons in the human body. The result is an infection.

Types of GERMS Bacteria Viruses Rickettsia Fungi Protozoa

BACTERIA Any tiny single cell organisms that grow and thrive almost everywhere. There are 3 types of bacteria: Bacteria Cocci Bacilli Spirilla

VIRUSES Are the smallest and simplest forms of life. Many viruses are harmful to humans. VIRUSES

RICKETTSIA Are small bacteria that are spread by the bites of insects such as mites and ticks.

FUNGI Are simple life forms that are unable to make their own food.

PROTOZOA Simple, animal-like organisms.

BACTERIA Live everywhere: on you, in you, and around you. Most bacteria do not harm you. Some bacteria are very helpful. Bacteria become harmful when they go places they do not belong. E coli

BACTERIA need… Food Supply Warmth Moisture Your body provides all three of these needs and a perfect home for bacteria!

BCATERIA COCCI Can cause diseases such as abscesses, gonorrhea (clap), bacterial pneumonia, strep throat and scarlet fever.

BACTERIA BACILLI Causes botulism (food poisoning), diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis, whooping cough, and leprosy.

VIRUSES Are very specialized Some attack only certain body cells. Rabies virus attacks only the nervous system. Viruses cause AIDS, chicken pox, measles, colds, flu, mumps, polio, viral pneumonia, and mononucleosis…

RICKETTSIA Are found in lice, mites, and ticks. They enter the body through the bite of an insect that is infected. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme Disease are caused by rickettsia. Lyme Disease

FUNGI Attack the body and often live in the hair, nails and skin Athlete’s Foot and ringworm are two diseases caused by fungi. Athlete’s foot affects the feet, while ringworm appears on other parts of the body. Ringworm

PROTOZOA Many are harmless but some can cause disease. Malaria is caused by protozoa that live in certain kinds of mosquitoes. If an infected mosquito bites a person, the person will become infected.