Top 10 Most Communicable Diseases

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.

Common Cold

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases states that as of 2007, Americans have an
estimated 1 billion colds each year. The age group most susceptible to repeated colds is children. People
older than 60 average less than one cold a year. The common cold is a viral infection.

Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is a highly contagious disease spread by contact, such as sharing food or eating and
drinking from contaminated utensils. Depending on the specific virus, gastroenteritis lasts from one to
two days or up to 10 days. Two known causes of viral gastroenteritis are rotavirus and norovirus.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a communicable disease caused by group A streptococci bacteria. KidsHealth states that
teens are particularly susceptible to strep throat during the school year. Strep throat bacteria spread
easily by sneezing, coughing or shaking hands. A rapid strep test in the doctor's office will confirm
whether the symptoms are because of strep throat or a viral sore throat.

Pink Eye

Pink eye is a common name for a highly contagious form of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. The virus that
causes the common cold causes viral pink eye. Staphylococcus or streptococcus cause bacterial pink eye.
To reduce the chances for spreading pink eye, avoid touching the infected eye, wash your hands
frequently and avoid reusing towels or washcloths in contact with the eye.

Fifth Disease

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia states that fifth disease, a human parvovirus, is most common
among children and spreads through direct contact with nasal and throat discharge. Exanthem, a skin
rash or eruption, appears at onset of the disease. Fifth disease spreads easily because it is contagious
before symptoms of the rash appear.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium, is a common
infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 700,000 people
acquire gonorrheal infections every year. Sexual activity is the primary method of spreading the disease.
Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. The three types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and
hepatitis C. The most prevalent of the three types worldwide is the hepatitis B virus, with about 350
million people infected in 2005. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver that can lead to life-
threatening conditions, such as cirrhosis and liver failure.

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly communicable disease that affects all ages. The symptoms of
whooping cough include respiratory infection, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough that
progresses to an uncontrollable cough with a high-pitched whoop.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a highly contagious infection that affects the gastrointestinal system of children. Symptoms
include nausea, vomiting, fever and watery diarrhea. Rotavirus is a noted problem in daycare facilities.
The virus spreads from the stool of infected individuals. Poor hand washing technique following toilet
use easily spreads the rotavirus.

HIV/AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) in the late
stages of infection. HIV is in the semen, vaginal fluid and blood of infected persons. Unprotected sex and
shared needles or syringes with HIV or AIDS carriers are the main methods of disease transmission.
For the most part, communicable diseases are spread through viruses and bacteria that live in blood and
body fluids. For instance, hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are examples of infections
that can be carried in blood and bodily fluids. On the other hand, tuberculosis is an airborne disease.

The Effects of Communicable Diseases on Health

Overview
Communicable diseases claim more lives globally than other fatal events, according to
MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. These diseases are generally
bacterial, viral, fungal, or protozoic in origin. Infection usually occurs via exposure to disease-
causing microbes, explains the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Some
communicable diseases are curable; others are not. Regardless of type, communicable disease
can have certain general effects on health.
Appetite Loss
Communicable diseases can affect appetite, notes MayoClinic.com. By and large, the appetite is
generally reduced relative to normal levels. The precise severity of appetite loss may depend on
the kind of communicable disease as well as any pharmaceutical substances that may already
be present prior to infection.
Coughs and Sneezes
Infectious diseases may generally cause an infected individual to cough and sneeze, explains
the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. These two involuntary reflexes help the
body expel the microbes via mucus and phlegm. Typically, the cough and sneeze reflex occurs
after the body has started producing mucus to contain the microbes prior to expulsion.
Diarrhea
Diseases that are communicable can cause diarrhea or loose bowel movement, notes the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. The duration and intensity of this symptom
may vary, depending on the particulars of the infectious microbe. Treatment can help speed up
recovery and alleviate this symptom.
Fever
Communicable diseases typically cause the body temperature to become elevated, explains
MayoClinic.com. Normal body temperature is under 99 degrees F, according to the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. This elevation in body temperature is an immune
response to the presence of microbes.
Exhaustion
Communicable diseases can cause an infected individual to experience general exhaustion,
notes MayoClinic.com. This symptom may be alleviated by treatment as well as staying
properly nourished during the course of infection. However, other factors, such as overall level
of health prior to infection, may affect the severity of this symptom.
Involuntary Muscle Spasms and Pain in the Muscles
Communicable diseases may bring about involuntary muscle spasms, notes the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Pain in the muscles may also be caused by
communicable diseases, according to MayoClinic.com.
Nausea
Nausea and vomiting may be caused by communicable diseases, notes the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Disease. Nausea and vomiting are the bodys way of purging itself of the
infection.
Swelling and Redness of Affected Areas
Communicable disease can cause swelling and redness in the affected area, notes
MayoClinic.com. The inflammation can affect more than one area, or be limited to a general
area, depending on the nature of the infection.