Pathogens, Diseases & Their Prevention
Meaning of Disease
A disease is any condition that negatively affects the normal functioning of the body.
Types of Diseases
- Communicable Diseases: These can spread from one person to another (e.g., malaria, cholera).
- Non-communicable Diseases: These do not spread between people (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
Common Diseases and Causes
- Malaria: Caused by mosquito bites.
- Cholera: Caused by drinking contaminated water.
- Typhoid: Caused by bacteria from contaminated food or water.
- Measles: A viral disease spread through coughing or sneezing.
Prevention Methods
- Good Hygiene: Washing hands with soap regularly.
- Safe Drinking Water: Using clean water for drinking and cooking.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Throwing refuse and sewage away correctly.
- Immunization: Getting vaccines against diseases.
- Balanced Diet: Eating nutritious food to strengthen the body.
- Exercise: Keeping the body strong and healthy.
- Avoid Contact with Sick People: To prevent catching contagious diseases.
- Seeking Early Medical Treatment: To reduce complications.
Pathogens
Pathogens are tiny organisms that can enter the body and cause diseases.
They are so small that we cannot see them with our eyes — only with a microscope.
Types of Pathogens
- Bacteria – Single-celled germs that can multiply quickly and cause diseases.
- Viruses – Even smaller than bacteria; they enter living cells and cause diseases.
- Fungi – These cause skin infections and other diseases.
- Protozoa – Small germs that live in water or in the body and can cause sickness.
Diseases Caused by Pathogens
|
Pathogen Type |
Examples of Diseases |
1 |
Bacteria |
Cholera, Typhoid, Tuberculosis |
2 |
Viruses |
Measles, HIV/AIDS, Polio |
3 |
Fungi |
Ringworm, Athlete’s foot |
4 |
Protozoa |
Malaria, Amoebic dysentery |
Preventive Measures Against Diseases Caused by Pathogens
- Good hygiene - Wash hands regularly with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Use clean water - Always drink and cook with clean water to prevent water-borne diseases like cholera.
- Proper refuse and sewage disposal - Dispose of waste properly to keep the environment clean and stop the spread of diseases.
- Immunization - Take vaccines against diseases like polio and measles.
- Balanced diet - Eat good food to make the body strong and able to fight infections.
- Avoid contact with sick people - Stay away from people who are infected to stop diseases from spreading.
- Seek early medical treatment - Go to a health centre or hospital as soon as you feel sick.
- Good ventilation - Keep rooms airy so that fresh air can flow in and stop the spread of airborne diseases.
- Cover food properly - Protect food from flies and dust to avoid contamination.