Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by pathogens that can be spread between people and animals. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Common communicable diseases include influenza, rabies, COVID-19, chickenpox, measles, and mumps. These diseases are usually spread through direct contact, animal or insect bites, contact with infected surfaces or contaminated food/water, or inhaling droplets from a cough or sneeze. Proper prevention methods include vaccination, avoiding contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, and properly disinfecting surfaces.

2. Definition
Communicable Diseases
An infectious disease that is spread from one person or animal to
another. Pathogens / germs (small micro-organisms) such as bacteria,
viruses and fungi cause communicable diseases.
Pathogens or germs can be:
Bacteria (whooping cough, diphtheria, pneumonia, cholera, tuberculosis)
Viruses (influenza, rabies, Covid-19, chicken pox, measles, mumps)
Fungi (athlete’s foot, ringworm)
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3. Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases can be spread among
people in the following ways:
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Coming into direct contact with a person carrying the disease.

4. Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases can be spread among
people in the following ways:
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Receiving a bite from an animal or insect carrying the disease.

5. Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases can be spread among
people in the following ways:
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Contact with infected surfaces or contaminated food or water.

6. Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases can be spread among
people in the following ways:
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Contact with infected droplets in the air by inhaling another person’s cough
or sneeze.
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7. Click the picture buttons to find out more.
Influenza Virus Virus
Signs and
Symptoms
Treatment
Treat aches and fever with pain relievers
such as paracetamol. Use a humidifier or
steam and gargle with a salt water solution.
Plenty of bed rest is recommended.
High fever between 3-5 days. Headaches and
body aches, as well as extreme tiredness, a cough
and sore throat. Some people experience nausea,
vomiting and diarrhoea.
Avoid large crowds and wash hands and surfaces
often. Get a flu vaccination. Build your immunity by
eating healthy foods such as fresh fruit and veg and
drinking plenty of water. Disinfect with hand
sanitiser.
Prevention
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8. Mumps
Signs and
Symptoms
Treatment
Soothe swollen glands by applying ice packs
and take approved pain relievers. Rest and
drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration
from fevers.
Swelling and tenderness in the glands of the
throat and in front of the ears. Difficulty
chewing. Pain and tenderness in testicles of boys.
Fever, headache, body aches and tiredness.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination
gives you immunity. Stay away from infected
people and disinfect surfaces
Prevention
Virus
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9. Chicken Pox Virus
Signs and
Symptoms
Treatment
Visit a doctor or clinic to be prescribed the
correct medication. Apply calamine lotion to
the spots to relieve the itching. Wear mittens
to prevent scratching. Take approved pain
killers.
A loss of appetite and an itchy blister rash for
five to ten days. A fever, headache and tiredness
can occur ten to 21 days before the rash.
Having the chicken pox vaccination will
minimize the symptoms and give immunity.
Avoid infected people. Do not share dishes or
utensils with infected family members.
Prevention
Virus
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10. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Virus
Signs and
Symptoms
Treatment
Bacterial pink eye will require antibiotic eye
drops that are prescribed by a doctor. Viral
pink eye will not respond to antibiotics and
should last for no longer than 4-7 days.
Redness in the white of the eyes. Blurred vision
and itchy eyes and swelling of the eyelid.
Burning and more tears than usual.
Bacteria
Pink eye is very contagious and will spread
easily. Do not touch your eye and then touch
surfaces. Use hand sanitiser and disinfectant.
Don’t share eye cosmetics. Use clean towels and
change pillowcases often.
Prevention
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11. Athlete's Foot
Signs and
Symptoms
Treatment
An anti-fungal cream prescribed by a
pharmacist will heal the rash after a few
days. Diabetic people should see a doctor if it
doesn’t heal..
Athlete’s’ foot is a fungal infection that usually
appears between the toes and spreads quickly. It
is an itchy, scaly rash that stings and burns.
Fungal
Wear shoes, especially in public areas such as
gyms, showers and swimming pools. Change
your socks often and keep your feet dry and
ventilated.
Prevention
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12. Malaria
Treatment
Malaria can be life-threatening if not treated
by a medical professional. A blood test will be
done to determine a diagnosis and fluids are
often administered intravenously.
Malaria is caused by a parasite that is passed to
humans by a mosquito. It causes high fevers and
chills which lasts a few days. Headache and
muscle pain, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea
are common symptoms of malaria.
Virus
There is currently no vaccination for malaria. If
you are travelling to a malaria area, it is
advisable to take chemoprophylaxis tablets.
Mosquito nets must be used to sleep under.
Prevention
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Signs and
Symptoms

13. Tuberculosis
Signs and
Symptoms
Treatment
TB needs to be treated by a doctor. Antibiotic
drugs will be prescribed once the strain of TB
is determined. Tablets must be taken every
day for six months.
TB is an airborne disease that affects the lungs. A
bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, loss
of appetite, weight loss, fever and night sweats
are common symptoms.
Virus
Face masks are recommended for TB patients to
prevent the spread of the disease. Wash hands
and surfaces and avoid large crowds. The BCG
vaccine is used to prevent TB.
Prevention
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14. HIV/Aids
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Treatment
ARVs (antiretroviral medication) are used to
slow the growth of the virus. People will need
to take these tablets for the rest of their lives.
There is currently no vaccine.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) destroys the
body’s immune system and its ability to fight off
disease. This can be life-threatening. Flu-like
symptoms and swollen lymph glands are common,
but some people do not display any symptoms.
Virus
HIV is spread through bodily fluids such as
blood and semen. Condoms must be used when
having sex and people should never share
needles from syringes. The virus can’t be spread
through the air or toilet seats.
Prevention
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Signs and
Symptoms