Spread Of Communicable Diseases (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy: Life & Environmental Sciences): Revision Note

Disease caused by a pathogen that passes from infected individuals to uninfected individuals

Also known as communicable disease

Cholera, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis

Long-term diseases that are not caused by pathogens

Lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, cystic fibrosis, vitamin deficiencies

Measure to prevent spread

Explanation

Hygienic food preparation

To prevent direct contact transmission

• keep food cold to slow bacteria and fungi reproduction

• wash hands and clean surfaces to avoid contamination

• cook food thoroughly to kill pathogens

• use separate utensils for uncooked meat and cover food to prevent contamination

Personal hygiene

To prevent direct contact transmission

• washing with soap, especially after using the bathroom, to remove pathogens

To prevent airborne transmission

• use tissues to catch sneezes and coughs and dispose of used tissues

Waste disposal

To prevent direct transmission:

• dispose of waste food to prevent prevalence of flies which act as a vector

• cover rubbish bins and remove to the landfill for disposal or burning regularly

Sanitation

To prevent waterborne transmission:

• homes and public places should have plumbing and drains to remove faeces and waste safely; these drains can carry pathogens

• raw sewage should be treated to remove solid waste and kill pathogens before being released into the environment