Communicable or infectious diseases are generally caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites and transmitted by direct or indirect contact through people, animals, insects, food, air, water, and even contaminated surface areas. Each disease can be distinguished by its method of transmission, ease of contagiousness, how long the pathogen can stay alive, and how dangerous the resulting disease is to the person or animal contracting it.
In this section
Influenza and Pandemics
Resources for dealing with current flu issues and outbreaks.
Zoonosis
Information about diseases that can be passed from animals to humans such as rabies, West Nile Virus, and Lyme Diseases.
Bioterrorism
Information addressing the deliberate release of disease-causing agents to cause illness, disruption, and social unrest.
