Disease Transmission

Question 1

What are pathogens?

Answer 1

Pathogens are microorgansims that cause disease in humans.

Question 2

How do pathogens cause an infection?

Answer 2

To cause an infection in humans, pathogenic organisms need to get inside the human body.

Question 3

What are the two types of transmission for infectious diseases?

Answer 3

The two types of transmission for infectious diseases are:

1. Direct contact transmission
2. Indirect contact transmission

Question 4

What is direct contact transmission?

Answer 4

Direct contact transmission occurs when an infected person touches or exchanges body fluids with another person.

Question 5

What are some diseases that can be spread by direct contact?

Answer 5

Some diseases that can be spread by direct contact are:

• chickenpox
• the common cold
• influenza
• hepatitis A
• hepatitis B
• herpes simplex (cold sores)
• measles

Question 6

What is droplet transmission?

Answer 6

A type of direct contact transmission. Droplet transmission is when an infected person expels droplets of saliva by coughing, sneezing or talking.

Question 7

What are some diseases that can be spread by droplet transmission?

Answer 7

Some diseases that can be spread by droplet transmission are:

• the common cold
• influenza
• meningitis