Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by harmful microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa. These diseases can spread from one person to another or through contaminated water, food, air, or insect bites. Below are some common communicable diseases explained in detail for students.
Table of Contents
1. Common Cold
- Caused By: Virus (Rhinovirus).
- Main Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, mild fever, and fatigue.
- Prevention:
- Wash hands frequently with soap.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
2. Measles
- Caused By: Virus (Measles virus).
- Main Symptoms: High fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, and red rash all over the body.
- Prevention:
- Get vaccinated (MMR vaccine).
- Maintain good hygiene.
3. Hepatitis
- Caused By: Virus (Hepatitis A, B, or C).
- Main Symptoms: Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), fatigue, abdominal pain, and nausea.
- Prevention:
- Drink clean, filtered water.
- Get vaccinated (Hepatitis A and B vaccines).
- Avoid sharing needles or personal items like razors.
4. Chickenpox
- Caused By: Virus (Varicella-zoster virus).
- Main Symptoms: Itchy red spots or blisters on the body, fever, and tiredness.
- Prevention:
- Get vaccinated.
- Avoid contact with infected individuals.
5. Dengue
- Caused By: Virus (Dengue virus) spread by Aedes mosquitoes.
- Main Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and bleeding gums.
- Prevention:
- Avoid mosquito bites by using repellents and nets.
- Eliminate stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.
6. Malaria
- Caused By: Protozoa (Plasmodium) spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Main Symptoms: High fever with chills, sweating, and body aches.
- Prevention:
- Use mosquito nets and repellents.
- Keep your surroundings clean and free of stagnant water.
7. Amoebiasis
- Caused By: Protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica).
- Main Symptoms: Stomach pain, diarrhea with blood, and fever.
- Prevention:
- Drink clean, boiled water.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
8. Ringworm
- Caused By: Fungus.
- Main Symptoms: Red, itchy, circular patches on the skin.
- Prevention:
- Keep skin dry and clean.
- Avoid sharing towels and clothes.
9. Tetanus
- Caused By: Bacteria (Clostridium tetani).
- Main Symptoms: Muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and lockjaw.
- Prevention:
- Get vaccinated (Tetanus vaccine).
- Clean and disinfect wounds immediately.
10. Dysentery
- Caused By: Bacteria (Shigella) or Protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica).
- Main Symptoms: Severe diarrhea with blood, stomach cramps, and fever.
- Prevention:
- Practice good hygiene.
- Drink clean water and avoid stale food.
11. Tuberculosis (TB)
- Caused By: Bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
- Main Symptoms: Persistent cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.
- Prevention:
- Get vaccinated (BCG vaccine).
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
12. Typhoid
- Caused By: Bacteria (Salmonella typhi).
- Main Symptoms: High fever, stomach pain, weakness, and loss of appetite.
- Prevention:
- Drink clean, boiled water.
- Maintain food hygiene and sanitation.
13. Swine Flu
- Caused By: Virus (H1N1 influenza virus).
- Main Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
- Prevention:
- Get vaccinated.
- Avoid crowded places during outbreaks.
14. Diarrhea
- Caused By: Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella) or Viruses (Rotavirus).
- Main Symptoms: Frequent watery stools, dehydration, and stomach pain.
- Prevention:
- Drink clean, safe water.
- Wash hands before eating.
15. Jaundice
- Caused By: Virus (Hepatitis A or B).
- Main Symptoms: Yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, and fatigue.
- Prevention:
- Maintain good hygiene.
- Drink boiled or filtered water.
Table of Common Communicable Diseases
| Disease | Caused By | Main Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Cold | Virus (Rhinovirus) | Sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, mild fever, fatigue | Wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick people, cover mouth/nose when sneezing/coughing. |
| Measles | Virus (Measles virus) | High fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, red rash all over the body | Get vaccinated (MMR vaccine), maintain good hygiene. |
| Hepatitis | Virus (Hepatitis A, B, or C) | Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea | Drink clean water, get vaccinated, avoid sharing needles/personal items. |
| Chickenpox | Virus (Varicella-zoster virus) | Itchy red spots or blisters, fever, tiredness | Get vaccinated, avoid contact with infected individuals. |
| Dengue | Virus (Dengue virus via mosquitoes) | High fever, headache, joint pain, rash, bleeding gums | Use repellents, eliminate stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding. |
| Malaria | Protozoa (Plasmodium via mosquitoes) | High fever with chills, sweating, body aches | Use mosquito nets, repellents, keep surroundings clean and dry. |
| Amoebiasis | Protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica) | Stomach pain, diarrhea with blood, fever | Drink boiled water, wash fruits/vegetables thoroughly. |
| Ringworm | Fungus | Red, itchy, circular patches on skin | Keep skin clean/dry, avoid sharing towels and clothes. |
| Tetanus | Bacteria (Clostridium tetani) | Muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, lockjaw | Get vaccinated (Tetanus vaccine), clean wounds immediately. |
| Dysentery | Bacteria (Shigella) or Protozoa | Severe diarrhea with blood, stomach cramps, fever | Practice good hygiene, drink clean water, avoid stale food. |
| Tuberculosis | Bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) | Persistent cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats | Get vaccinated (BCG vaccine), avoid close contact with infected individuals. |
| Typhoid | Bacteria (Salmonella typhi) | High fever, stomach pain, weakness, loss of appetite | Drink clean water, maintain food hygiene, and proper sanitation. |
| Swine Flu | Virus (H1N1 influenza virus) | Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue | Get vaccinated, avoid crowded places during outbreaks. |
| Diarrhea | Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella) | Frequent watery stools, dehydration, stomach pain | Drink safe water, wash hands before eating. |
| Jaundice | Virus (Hepatitis A or B) | Yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, fatigue | Maintain hygiene, drink boiled/filtered water. |
This tabular format simplifies the information for quick reference and easy understanding for students.
Summary
Understanding these diseases, their causes, symptoms, and prevention methods can help you stay safe and healthy. Remember, simple habits like washing hands, eating clean food, and keeping your surroundings clean can protect you from many communicable diseases!
