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Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. These diseases can spread from one person to another or through contaminated food, water, animals, insects, or the environment. While some infectious diseases cause mild illness, others can lead to severe complications, disability, or death if not prevented or treated promptly.
Infectious diseases remain a major public health challenge worldwide, particularly in regions where access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and vaccination may be limited. However, many infectious diseases can be prevented through simple public health measures such as vaccination, good hygiene, safe food and water practices, vector control, and early medical care.
Understanding how diseases spread and how to protect yourself is one of the most effective ways to keep individuals, families, and communities healthy.
Our health library contains reliable information covering the most important public health issues affecting individuals and communities.
Disease-causing microorganisms can spread in different ways depending on the infection.
Some diseases spread through direct contact with an infected person, respiratory droplets, body fluids, or sexual contact.
Examples include:
Certain diseases originate in animals and can spread to humans through direct contact or exposure to infected animal tissues or fluids.
Examples include:
Some diseases are spread by insects such as mosquitoes or ticks that carry infectious organisms.
Examples include:
Contaminated food or drinking water can transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Examples include:
Some infectious organisms survive in contaminated environments, healthcare settings, or poorly sanitized areas, increasing the risk of infection.
Symptoms vary depending on the disease but commonly include:
If symptoms become severe or persist, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Many infectious diseases can be prevented through healthy daily habits.
Protect yourself by:
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and often life-threatening illness caused by viruses in the Orthoebolavirus genus. The disease was first identified in 1976 and has caused outbreaks in several African countries.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials. It does not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19.
Common Symptoms:
Prevention
Marburg Virus Disease is a rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus. It belongs to the same virus family as Ebola and can cause serious outbreaks.
The virus is associated with fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with infected people or contaminated body fluids and materials.
Symptoms
Prevention
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads mainly through contaminated water and food.
Without prompt treatment, severe dehydration caused by cholera can become life-threatening.
Symptoms
Prevention
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It spreads through close physical contact with infected people, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
Most people recover fully, but some may develop severe illness.
Symptoms
Prevention
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body.
TB spreads through tiny droplets released into the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Symptoms
Prevention
HIV attacks the body’s immune system, making it difficult to fight infections if left untreated.
Modern medicines allow people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission when treatment is taken consistently.
Prevention
