In the grand theatre of public health, communicable diseases play a villainous role, silently wreaking havoc on individuals and communities worldwide.
Unlike their chronic, non-infectious counterparts, these microscopic marauders spread from person to person, traversing borders and leaving trails of illness in their wake.
Understanding the nature of these stealthy adversaries is crucial for protecting ourselves and building a healthier future for all.
This blog post aims to shed light on communicable diseases, exploring their global prevalence and delving into their specific impact within Nigeria.
Communicable diseases
Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
These diseases can spread from person to person, directly or indirectly, and often demand vigilance and public health measures to prevent and control their transmission.
Common communicable diseases
Here are some common communicable diseases and their modes of transmission:
- Respiratory diseases: Including the common cold, influenza, and tuberculosis COVID-19.
- Waterborne diseases: Contaminated water transmits cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrheal diseases.
- Vector-borne diseases: Mosquitoes carry malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea spread through sexual contact.
- Bloodborne diseases: Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through contact with infected blood.
Modes of transmission of communicable diseases
These diseases can be spread in a variety of ways, including:
1. Airborne transmission
One of the most well-known modes of transmission is through the air.
Respiratory droplets expelled through coughing, sneezing, or even talking can carry infectious agents and contaminate the air.
Diseases like influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 are prime examples of illnesses that spread through airborne transmission.
In enclosed spaces or crowded areas, the risk of transmission increases, emphasizing the importance of respiratory etiquette and ventilation in mitigating airborne spread.
2. Direct-contact transmission
Physical contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids can lead to the direct transmission of communicable diseases.
Skin-to-skin contact, kissing, sexual intercourse, and contact with blood or other bodily secretions are common routes of transmission.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV and syphilis, exemplify diseases primarily transmitted through direct contact.
Practicing safe hygiene, using protective barriers, and following infection control protocols are crucial in preventing direct contact transmission.
3. Vector-borne transmission
Some communicable diseases rely on vectors—organisms that transmit pathogens from one host to another.
Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other arthropods serve as vectors for diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease.
The pathogens reproduce within the vector, which then transfers the infectious agent to humans through bites.
Vector control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and environmental management, are fundamental to curbing vector-borne diseases.
4. Fomite transmission
Inanimate objects, known as fomites, can serve as vehicles for the transmission of infectious agents.
Surfaces, utensils, doorknobs, and personal belongings can harbor pathogens, allowing them to survive and be transmitted to new hosts upon contact.
Common cold viruses, noroviruses, and some bacterial infections can spread through fomite transmission.
Regular hand hygiene, surface disinfection, and proper waste disposal are essential preventive measures.
5. Oral-fecal transmission
Ingesting contaminated food, water, or objects can lead to the oral-fecal transmission of communicable diseases.
Waterborne illnesses, such as cholera and giardiasis, often result from consuming contaminated water sources.
Foodborne infections, like salmonellosis, can occur when consuming improperly prepared or contaminated food.
Ensuring access to clean water, practicing safe food handling, and maintaining proper sanitation are critical to preventing oral-fecal transmission.
6. Vertical transmission
Vertical transmission occurs when communicable diseases are passed from mother to child during childbirth, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Certain infections, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child.
Preventive measures, including antenatal screening, vaccination, and safe delivery practices, are vital in reducing the risk of vertical transmission.
Statistics of communicable diseases
1. Worldwide statistics of communicable diseases
Communicable diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Lower respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis are among the top causes of global mortality.
The burden of communicable diseases is often higher in low- and middle-income countries.
Here are some eye-opening stats
- Millions of people fall ill with communicable diseases every year, with children and vulnerable populations particularly at risk.
- The flu alone accounts for 3–5 million severe illnesses annually worldwide.
- Malaria claims the lives of over 400,000 people each year, mostly children in Africa.
2. Communicable diseases in Nigeria
In Nigeria, communicable diseases have historically posed significant health challenges.
The nation has grappled with infectious diseases due to factors such as population density, sanitation issues, and limited access to healthcare.
- Malaria is the leading cause of death for children under five.
- Over 1 million Nigerians contract tuberculosis annually.
- HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health concern.
- Vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and polio, have been targets of national immunization efforts.
Prevention against communicable diseases
Understanding the impact of communicable diseases is essential for safeguarding individual and public health.
While the statistics may present challenges, there are efficient ways to prevent contracting these diseases.
These measures include:
1. Personal hygiene and handwashing
One of the foundational pillars of preventing communicable diseases is personal hygiene, particularly effective handwashing.
Proper hand hygiene disrupts the chain of infection by eliminating pathogens that may be present in the hands.
Individuals should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
Hand hygiene is a simple yet powerful measure that significantly reduces the risk of diseases transmitted through direct contact and fomite transmission.
2. Vaccination and immunization programs
Vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, providing immunity against various infectious diseases.
Immunization programs have played a pivotal role in controlling the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and influenza.
Timely and widespread vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to the concept of herd immunity, reducing the overall transmission of infectious agents within a community.
3. Safe food handling and water quality
Contaminated food and water sources can be significant contributors to the spread of communicable diseases, particularly those transmitted through oral-fecal routes.
Safe food handling practices, including proper cooking, storage, and hygiene in food preparation, are crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses.
Ensuring access to clean and safe water is equally vital, as waterborne diseases like cholera can be prevented through improved water sanitation and hygiene practices.
4. Environmental hygiene and vector control
Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is essential to preventing the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
Proper waste disposal, the elimination of breeding sites for mosquitoes and other vectors, and the use of insecticides contribute to effective vector control.
These measures are particularly critical in regions where diseases like malaria and dengue fever are prevalent.
5. Safe sex practices and STI prevention
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be prevented through safe sex practices and awareness.
Consistent and correct use of barrier methods of contraception, regular testing for STIs, and open communication about sexual health contribute to reducing the transmission of infections such as HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
Comprehensive sexual education programs are essential to promoting responsible sexual behavior.
6. Education and public awareness
Educating communities about communicable diseases, their modes of transmission, and preventive measures is a cornerstone of public health.
Public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and health education programs empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Knowledgeable communities are more likely to adopt preventive measures, creating a culture of health and well-being.
7. Others
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly boost your immune system.
- Vector control: Take measures to protect against vectors, such as using bed nets to prevent mosquito bites.
- Early detection and treatment: Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect an infectious disease, aiding in early detection and treatment.
Obisesan Damola
Damola is a medical doctor who has worked in the Nigerian healthcare industry for a little over 3 years in a number of primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals. He is interested in and writes about how technology is helping to shape the healthcare industry. He graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, the foremost medical training institution in Nigeria.
