What does a communicable disease refer to?

A communicable disease refers to an illness caused by infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that can be easily spread from one person to another. This transmission can occur through direct contact with an infected person, through contaminated surfaces, or via vectors such as insects. Understanding this definition is crucial for healthcare workers, including Certified Nursing Assistants, as it highlights the importance of infection control practices to prevent the spread of these diseases within healthcare settings and the community. In contrast, other types of diseases, such as those that are genetic or caused by environmental factors, do not involve transmission between individuals and therefore do not fall under the definition of communicable diseases.