Controlling the Spread of Disease (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 0610 & 0970

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Updated on

Controlling the spread of disease

  • The simplest way to prevent disease is to stop pathogens from spreading

  • This means using simple measures such as good hygiene and effective sanitation and waste disposal to contain pathogens and dispose of them safely

Preventing the spread of disease table

Measure to prevent spread

Importance

Clean water supply

Safe drinking water ensures water is free of pathogens which will prevent waterborne diseases e.g. cholera (opens in a new tab)

Hygienic food preparation

Washing hands with soap, correct food cooking methods and hygienic preparation of food will help to prevent contamination of food with harmful bacteria and fungi

Personal hygiene

Washing with soap or using tissues to catch sneezes and coughs and then disposing of them will reduce transmission of diseases such as colds and flu

Waste disposal

Proper disposal of waste e.g. food waste will reduce the prevalence of pests e.g. flies that can act as vectors for transmissible diseases

Sewage treatment

Treatment of sewage removes harmful pathogens from waste before it is released into the environment. This reduces the risk of diseases spreading in contaminated water

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Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Content Creator

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Jenna Quinn

Reviewer: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Content Creator

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.