Communicable diseases are infections that spread from one person to another or from an animal to a person, from an insect bite, from a surface, food or water, or through the air. Other terms used include “contagious” or “infectious.” They are caused by different types of germs, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Not all infections are contagious, however. For example, pneumonia is an ‘infectious’ disease usually caused by bacteria or viruses. While pneumonia is not contagious, the germs that cause pneumonia, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria or influenza virus, are contagious.
Many communicable diseases are considered ‘notifiable conditions,’ by the Washington Department of Health. This means they are required to be reported to DOH because they can spread throughout a community and cause an outbreak. For example, measles and norovirus are very contagious infections that can cause many people to become sick and require medical care.
Some travel destinations have communicable diseases not commonly seen in the United States. For example, malaria is very common in Africa and Southeast Asia. If you plan on traveling outside of the United States, it is a good idea to talk with your provider and/or check out the CDC’s Travelers Health website for information.
Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD)
There are some infectious diseases that are preventable by receiving a vaccine. Infants and children are given vaccines to prevent many common childhood illnesses that prior to vaccines, caused them to become very sick and in some situations, die. Measles, mumps, rubella and polio are common VPDs that because of the effectiveness of the vaccines, are uncommon throughout the United States, although cases and outbreaks do occur, especially in areas where vaccination rates are low. Adults are also susceptible to VPDs, such as shingles and influenza. It is important that both children and adults are up to date with their vaccinations to lessen their risk of getting a VPD and transmitting to others, who may not be able to be vaccinated because of medical conditions.
Colds, Flu and COVID-19
The common cold, influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help viruses but if you develop an infection, such as pneumonia, you may need antibiotics to treat the infection. Symptoms of viruses can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication, rest, and hydration. If you think you have the flu or COVID-19, consider seeing your providerso you can start antivirals. Antivirals typically need to be taken within 72 hours of symptom onset and can help lessen the symptoms. If you have a cold, flu or COVID-19, stay home and take precautions to avoid spreading the illness to others.
Foodborne Illness
Foodborne illnesses are caused by eating or drinking contaminated food and beverages. The most common foods include raw meat, poultry and shellfish, raw eggs and unpasteurized milk. Fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated when manure is used for fertilization or the produce is cleaned with contaminated water. Food handlers, such as cooks, can also spread these illnesses when they are themselves ill and do not wash their hands properly before handling food. The germs that cause these illnesses also can also be acquired through recreating in contaminated water, from contacting sick animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread.
The symptoms of “food poisoning” include diarrhea and/or vomiting, abdominal cramps and/or bloating, nausea, and sometimes fever, joint/back aches, and fatigue. These symptoms may last hours to days, and depending upon the cause, may occur within hours to days or even one week after consuming the contaminated food or beverage. Most do not require antibiotics for treatment and can be treated at home with hydration, rest and other supportive care. If treating a foodborne illness at home, be alert for dehydration. Young children and seniors are most at risk for dehydration. Foodborne illnesses are extremely contagious, so please stay home while you are sick.
If you believe you have contracted a foodborne illness, please contact Asotin County Health District to let us know so we can potentially prevent others from becoming sick.
E.coli
Listeria
Norovirus
Salmonella
More information about foodborne illnesses from the CDC
Fungal Infection
Although there are millions of fungi, only a relatively small number can cause problems that may be minor, such as “athlete’s foot,” to life-threatening, such as Candida auris that may be resistant to common medications used to treat fungal infections. People with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of getting a fungal infection that may be more serious.
Learn more about candidiasis (yeast infections and thrush)
Ringworm
More information about fungal disease from CDC
HIV & STIs
HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be spread through sexual contact. You can also be exposed to HIV and some STIs through blood, sharing needles or from mother to baby during birth. Some STIs can be cured while others cannot. Although HIV cannot be cured, there are treatments available to manage symptoms and avoid spreading HIV to others. You should always contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you have been exposed to any STI. Abstinence or using condoms are the best ways to prevent the spread of HIV and STIs.
HIV
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is caused by a virus. Some strains of hepatitis can be prevented by a vaccine while others cannot. Chronic hepatitis can lead to liver failure and liver cancer. Hepatitis may not cause symptoms at first and getting testing might be the only way to know if you have hepatitis. Some hepatitis viruses will go away without treatment or can be treated easily. Vaccination for hepatitis A and hepatitis B provide strong protection against those viruses. Hepatitis C, D and E do not have a vaccine that can prevent against those viruses.
RSV
Most children will have RSV before their 2nd birthday. Older kids and adults can also get RSV but children make up the majority of RSV cases. Many RSV infections resolve on their own and can be treated at home. Hospitalization may be required for severe illness. RSV is very contagious. Keep your child home from school and daycare until they are feeling better.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is common in many parts of the world. There is a vaccine for TB but it is not often used in the United States. TB cases do happen in the United States but they are relatively rare. The TB vaccine is given to infants and young children in counties where TB is more common. TB is spread through the air, such as being close to someone infected when they are coughing, sneezing or singing. If you will be traveling out of the country, speak with your healthcare provider about any precautions you should take for TB or if you should be tested upon return. TB can be treated, and it can take up to 12 months of treatment.
Learn more about TB from the CDC
Zoonotic
Zoonotic diseases are spread from an animal to a human. If you are traveling out of the country speak with your healthcare provider about precautions you should take while traveling to protect against zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases can be spread through direct contact such as the body fluids of an infected animal; indirect contact such as chicken coops; vector-borne such as mosquitos; foodborne such as undercooked meat or waterborne through contact with contaminated water.
Malaria
Rabies
Salmonella
West Nile Virus
Learn more about zoonotic diseases from the CDC