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Disease Spread

Definition

The transmission of illnesses from one person to another or from an animal to a person. This can happen when someone comes into direct contact with an infected person, animal, or object; inhales airborne germs; or consumes contaminated food or water.

Analogy

Imagine being at a party where there's glitter everywhere (and we all know how hard it is to get rid of glitter). If one person has glitter on their hands (the disease), they can easily spread it by touching other people (direct contact), by touching objects around them (indirect contact), or even through the air if they blow on it (airborne transmission).

Related terms

Pandemic: A disease outbreak that spreads across countries or continents affecting large numbers of people.

Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution patterns and causes of health-related events in populations.

Immunity: The ability of an organism to resist a particular infection by producing antibodies against it.

"Disease Spread" appears in:

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.