What it means
An infectious disease that passes from a source to a new host, by direct contact, droplets, the air, contaminated objects, food or water, blood, or insects. Examples are influenza, tuberculosis, measles, HIV and COVID-19. Some are reportable: the law requires that cases be reported to the health department.
For the nurse
Use the right precautions for how the disease spreads, teach clients how to protect others, and report reportable diseases as policy directs.
At a glance
| Spanish | enfermedad transmisible |
|---|---|
| Also written | communicable diseases |
Related terms
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
incubation period
The time between catching an infection and the first symptoms.
mandatory reporting
A legal duty to report certain things, such as suspected abuse or some diseases, to the proper authorities.
communicable
Able to be passed from one person, or animal, to another.