This Everyday Item is the Biggest Driver of Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Infectious diseases are disorders that are caused by germs or things like a bacteria, a virus, a fungus or a parasite.  Infectious diseases can range from mild to severe. Here are some common examples for each type: 1. Bacterial Infections Strep throat: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Often caused by Escherichia coli. Tuberculosis (TB): Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Lyme disease: Transmitted through tick bites, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Salmonella infections: From contaminated food or water. 2. Viral Infections Influenza (Flu): Caused by influenza viruses. COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Common cold: Often caused by rhinoviruses. Chickenpox: Caused by the varicella-zoster virus. 3. Fungal Infections Athlete’s foot: Caused by Trichophyton fungus. Yeast infections: Often caused by Candida albicans. Ringworm: A skin infection caused by dermatophyte fungi. Aspergillosis: Caused by Aspergillus molds, common in immune-compromised individuals. 4. Parasitic Infections Malaria: Caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by mosquitoes. Giardiasis: A waterborne intestinal infection caused by Giardia lamblia. Toxoplasmosis: Caused by Toxoplasma gondii, often from undercooked meat or cat feces. Hookworm: Caused by parasitic worms that live in the intestines. These diseases are typically spread through various means, including direct contact, contaminated food or water,...