Diseases readily passed from one person to another are contagious, communicable, or infectious. It’s possible that some infections may spread via casual contact. For instance, the measles virus may remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person’s cough. The measles virus may spread via the air and infect everyone who breathes it in. Protect yourself against the growing number of communicable illnesses by learning about new dangers, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the possibility of a global flu pandemic.
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2, a contagious virus that causes COVID-19, is responsible for the biggest epidemic since the H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009. COVID-19, or the 2019 coronavirus illness, causes many symptoms, including high body temperature, difficulty breathing, muscle pains, and a diminished sense of smell.
The virus is transmitted by inhalation and droplet contact with an infected individual. There is optimism that the epidemic can be stopped thanks to new COVID-19 vaccinations.
Clostridioides Difficile
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now rank C. diff infections as their top public health priority. The C. diff bacteria is very contagious and may cause fatal infections in certain people.
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Diarrhea and intestinal inflammation (colitis) are symptoms of this illness. Most cases of C. diff are linked to hospital stays and antibiotic use.
To prevent spreading the potentially dangerous C. diff germs, anybody with a suspected case (and any household members or caretakers) should wear gloves when handling feces and wash their hands well with warm, soapy water.
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Drug-Resistant Bacteria
In recent decades, antibiotic resistance has emerged in many bacterial species. These are some of the most typical. Carbapenem-resistant E. coli is an example of a bacterium that may develop resistance to even the strongest antibiotics on the market today.
People with multi-drug resistant organisms or compromised immune systems are at greater risk from Acinetobacter. Drug-resistant, undercooked chicken may be a vector for the spread of campylobacter.
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Pneumococcal illness caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is resistant to many antibiotics. Drug-resistant Salmonella may be contracted by eating food not properly prepared or handled.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. In the United States, TB is relatively rare, with most cases occurring in people born outside the country, where the disease is more common. Lungs are the common site of infection for tuberculosis. While it is not a major concern for most Americans, staying informed about TB and its risks is important for maintaining public health.
To prevent drug-resistant TB, it’s essential to complete all prescribed treatments, as stopping early can lead to resistance. Directly observed therapy (DOT) ensures proper medication use, reducing risks. Avoid close contact with untreated individuals and encourage them to seek care. High-risk groups should undergo regular screenings for early detection. In healthcare settings, infection control measures like masks and isolation help prevent spread. Public education on treatment adherence and vaccinating at-risk populations in high-prevalence areas also play key roles in controlling TB and preventing resistance.
Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea
Drug-resistant gonorrhea occurs as a result of infertility and pelvic inflammatory illness due to untreated gonorrhea. The CDC claims that gonorrhea has become resistant to all but one kind of antibiotic used to treat this sexually transmitted illness and that the incidence of gonorrhea infections in the United States has been climbing quickly since 2009.
You can prevent gonorrhea by always using a condom, limiting your number of partners, avoiding unprotected oral intercourse, and getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases once a year.
Measles
Since 2010, the number of measles cases in the United States has increased almost every year, with a significant increase between 2018 and 2019. Complications from measles infection include death or developmental delays, including deafness and learning disabilities in young children.
Measles cannot be cured, but it is preventable with vaccination. There is no risk of getting measles from getting the vaccination. Consult your child’s pediatrician on the immunization schedule, and consult your own physician regarding the need for a booster vaccine, particularly in the case of overseas travel.
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Influenza
The influenza virus travels quickly from person to person and doesn’t need any kind of physical touch for transmission. The flu may spread in several ways, including via the air around an infected person or by touching an infected surface and then contacting your eye. Seasonal flu poses a greater risk to public health than a pandemic flu outbreak, which happens when a novel flu virus appears anywhere in the globe and quickly infects huge numbers of people. Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent getting the flu (or at least lessen the severity of your symptoms if you do get it).
Ebola Virus
The Ebola virus illness is not a big health risk in the United States. However, the virus recently reappeared in Africa. Infected people may have lethal bleeding due to this illness.
While there is currently no widespread global risk of Ebola transmission, a medical assessment for Ebola should be sought by anybody who has recently been in touch with someone who has returned from an overseas trip and is showing symptoms (such as fever, diarrhea, and bleeding).
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was one of the first antibiotic-resistant germs to gain widespread notice many years ago. MRSA is still a major problem in modern medicine. These microorganisms are linked to surgical site infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections.
MRSA is lethal if left untreated. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (particularly after being in public), use gloves when cleaning a wound or changing a bandage, and don’t share personal care products like razors that may irritate the skin and spread MRSA.
Medically Reviewed By:
Lisa Fitzpatrick
Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick is a board-certified infectious diseases physician and medical epidemiologist with a background in public health. She is the founder and CEO of Grapevine Health, a digital health media company focused on improving patient engagement among Medicaid patients through culturally relevant health information.
