MS

Communicable Diseases

Illnesses caused by infectious agents that can be transmitted to a healthy person or animal.

Contagious Disease

A type of infectious disease that spreads easily from person to person.

Infectious Disease

Diseases that require direct inoculation and are not transmitted by ordinary contact.

Causative or Etiologic Agent

The infectious agent responsible for causing disease.

Reservoirs of Infection

Living bodies that harbor and support the growth of infectious agents.

Human Reservoir

The primary source of infection, including infected individuals who can transmit the disease.

Frank or Typical

Infected individuals who show obvious signs and symptoms of illness.

Subclinical

Infected individuals with mild or no apparent symptoms, also known as missed or abortive cases.

Carriers

Infected individuals who do not show recognizable signs or symptoms but can still transmit the disease.

Contact

Close association between individuals that can facilitate disease transmission.

Suspect

Individuals with a medical history indicating potential infection.

Animal Reservoir

Animals that harbor infectious agents and can transmit them to humans.

Contact Transmission

The spread of infection through direct or indirect contact between individuals.

Vehicle Route

Transmission of infection through contaminated items such as food, water, drugs, or blood.

Airborne Transmission

Spread of infection through droplet nuclei or dust particles containing infectious agents.

Vector Borne Transmission

Transmission of infection via contaminated or infected arthropods like flies and ticks.

Vertical Transmission

Transfer of infection from mother to neonate, such as in cases of AIDS or Hepatitis.

Mode of Entry/Portal of Exit

Pathways through which infectious agents enter or exit the host, including respiratory and GI tracts.

Susceptible Host

Individuals or animals lacking resistance to infection.