CWTS 1Contagious DiseasesAt the end of this module you are expected to:1.Define disease2.Identify carriers3.Name common deficiency diseases4.Identify communicable diseases5.Define AIDS6.Discuss the stages of HIV Infection7.Avoid HIV InfectionIntroductionPersonal and environmental cleanliness are very essential in maintaining good health. Personalcleanliness implies a set of personal habits important to physical and mental well-being, as wellas freedom from disease; while environmental cleanliness includes both internal and externalcleanliness.It refers to home, school, neighborhood, roads, fields, deep wells, lakes/rivers,plants, forests among others.Cleanliness begins at home. It may be small, but it shouldproperly maintained, with good ventilation for fresh air and sunlight.The environment can bekept clean by having plants and trees around the house.Carriers of Contagious DiseasesInfectious diseases are transmitted from person to person by direct or indirect contact. Certain types ofviruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can all cause infectious disease. Malaria, measles, and respiratoryillnesses are examples of infectious diseases. Simple preventative measures, such as frequent handwashing, can cut down on disease transmission. Infectious diseases are often spread through directcontact. Types of contact include:DIRECT CONTACT1. Person-to-person contactInfectious diseases are commonly transmitted through direct person-to-person contact. Transmissionoccurs when an infected person touches or exchanges body fluids with someone else. This can happenbefore an infected person is aware of the illness.Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) can be transmittedthis way.Pregnant women can also transmit infectious diseases to their unborn children via the placenta. SomeSTDs, includinggonorrhea, can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.
2. Droplet spreadThe spray of droplets during coughing and sneezing can spread an infectious disease. You can even infectanother person through droplets created when you speak. Since droplets fall to the ground within a fewfeet, this type of transmission requires close proximity.INDIRECT CONTACTInfectious diseases can also be spread indirectly through the air and other mechanisms. For example:1. Airborne transmissionSome infectious agents can travel long distances and remain suspended in the air for an extended periodof time. You can catch a disease likemeaslesby entering a room after someone with measles hasdeparted.2. Contaminated objectsSome organisms can live on objects for a short time. If you touch an object, such as a doorknob, soonafter an infected person, you might be exposed to infection. Transmission occurs when you touch yourmouth, nose, or eyes before thoroughly washing your hands.
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