Communicable Diseases Vocabulary Diseases are any condition that interferes with the proper functioning of the body and mind. There are two main types of diseases. Noncommunicable Diseases that are NOT spread, but usually caused by a combination of : conditions they were born with how people live environmental factors. These diseases are often called chronic because they last for along period of time. Examples include: Communicable Diseases that are spread, or passed from one person to the next Also called infectious diseases Examples include: Common cold, flu, HIV Heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes

Examples of pathogens include: Communicable diseases are caused by germs or pathogens. These are microorganisms that cause disease. Microorganisms are organisms that are too small to be seen. They can only be seen with a microscope! Examples of pathogens include: fungi bacteria virus protozoa parasitic worms Bacteria Facts: Tiny one-celled organisms that live on most surfaces. Most common life form on earth Can live in water, soil or a person’s body Not all bacteria cause disease (of 1,600 types, fewer than 200 cause illness) Some bacteria can even be helpful! Diseases Caused by Bacteria: Bacterial pneumonia, pinkeye, strep throat, most foodborne illnesses (e-coli and salmonella), tetanus lock jaw, Lyme disease, syphilis

Diseases Caused by Viruses: Virus Facts: Smallest and simplest life form (they are actually submicroscopic!) Must have a “host” to survive. Viruses can only live, grow and reproduce inside another living cell There is no cure for viral infections, but their symptoms can be treated by medicines that help to relieve the symptoms. Diseases Caused by Viruses: Common cold, influenza (seasonal and H1N1),mononucleosis, hepatitis, HIV, chicken pox, herpes Did you know? Viruses are far smaller than bacteria. Viruses look like balls with spikes sticking out, some others look like loaves of bread or tadpoles and others look like metal screws with spider legs  

Diseases caused by Protozoa: Protozoa Facts: Microscopic one-celled organisms Commonly found in fresh water, oceans, streams and soil Only a few types cause illness in humans Spread through contaminated water, food, or dirty hands Diseases caused by Protozoa: Amoebic dysentery (Amoebic dysentery is an infection of the intestine which can cause diarrhea and severe upset stomach) Malaria (spread by a mosquito that injects the protozoa into the blood)

Fungi Facts: Fungi are a group of about 100,000 species of simple plants that cannot make their own food (they do not contain cholorophyll), so they draw nutrition from nearby plants and animals, living or dead. They also can live in damp dark places since they do not use light to make food. Examples include mushrooms and yeasts. Good fungus or bad? There are many varieties of mushrooms that people like to eat, and we also use yeasts to make beer and bread! Fungus are also important recyclers- they turn our trash into soil! Bad fungus are really just good fungus trying to do their job too early!. Diseases caused by fungi include: Ringworm – yes, there is no worm involved! Many allergies (fungus irritates the nose, cause watery eyes and breathing problems) Athletes foot People with weakened immune systems by cancer or AIDS or taking certain medicines have an increased risk for fungal infections

Parasitic Worms: Diseases caused by parasitic worms: Worms that live in or upon another living organism Diseases caused by parasitic worms: Pinworm (intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms) Trichinosis (trichinella worm from raw or undercooked meat, pork and sausage causes intestinal upset, diarrhea) Other parasitic worms include round worm, hookworm, whip worm and tapeworm!