COMMUNICABLE DISEASES | What? Why? How?

Summary

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa addresses the spread and causes of communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases. These diseases, caused by germs such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or toxins, can be transmitted through direct contact, including person-to-person, sexually, from mother to unborn child, and through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Indirect transmission occurs via contaminated objects, food, water, and animal contact. The video also covers airborne diseases like measles and those spread by insects like malaria, providing a comprehensive look into disease transmission.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The NICD is South Africa's National Public Health Institute that specializes in communicable diseases.
• 🌐 Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are illnesses that can spread from person to person.
• 🦠 These diseases are caused by various pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or toxins.
• 🤝 Direct contact transmission occurs through physical contact or exchange of body fluids between infected and susceptible individuals.
• 🤰 Mother-to-unborn child transmission can occur when a pregnant woman passes infectious agents to her fetus.
• 💧 Droplet spread happens when infectious diseases are transmitted through the spray of droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even talking.
• 🌪️ Airborne transmission allows some infectious agents to travel long distances and remain in the air, infecting others by breathing.
• 🚪 Indirect contact can lead to infection through touching contaminated objects like doorknobs and then touching one's face.
• 🍽️ Food and waterborne transmission occurs when infectious diseases are spread via contaminated food and drinking water.
• 🐾 Animal-to-person transmission happens when infectious diseases are transmitted from animals to humans, often through bites, scratches, or handling waste.
• 🦟 Vector-borne transmission is when diseases are spread by blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks after feeding on infected hosts.

Q & A

What is the primary role of the NICD in South Africa?

The NICD serves as the National Public Health Institute for South Africa, providing reference microbiology, virology, epidemiology, surveillance, and public health research to support the government's response to communicable diseases threats.

What are communicable diseases commonly known as?

Communicable diseases are most commonly known as infectious diseases.

What types of germs can cause communicable diseases?

Communicable diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or toxins.

How are communicable diseases typically transmitted?

Communicable diseases are typically transmitted through direct contact or indirect contact.

Can you explain direct contact transmission in the context of communicable diseases?

Direct contact transmission occurs when there is physical contact between an infected person and a susceptible person, such as through touching or exchanging body fluids.

How can a pregnant woman transmit communicable diseases to her unborn child?

A pregnant woman may pass germs that cause infectious diseases to an unborn baby through the placenta or during birth through germs in the vagina.

What is droplet spread and how does it relate to the transmission of communicable diseases?

Droplet spread involves the spray of droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even speaking, which can transmit infectious diseases when another person is in close proximity.

How can communicable diseases be spread through the air?

Communicable diseases can be spread through the air via airborne transmission, where infectious agents travel and remain suspended in the air, potentially infecting others who breathe them in.

What is an example of how communicable diseases can be spread through contaminated objects?

Communicable diseases can spread through touching contaminated objects like doorknobs and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes before washing hands.

How can food and drinking water contribute to the spread of communicable diseases?

Infectious diseases can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, such as E. coli from improperly handled produce or uncooked meat.

What is the term for diseases transmitted from animals to humans, and can you provide an example?

The term for diseases transmitted from animals to humans is 'zoonotic diseases'. Examples include diseases transmitted through animal bites or scratches, or handling pet waste.

How do insects contribute to the spread of communicable diseases?

Insects, particularly those that suck blood like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, can become infected by feeding on infected hosts and then transmit diseases to new hosts through their bites.