Infectious diseases have been a constant threat to humanity throughout history. These diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites and can spread from person to person through contact with contaminated objects, air droplets, or bodily fluids. Some infections can cause mild symptoms, while others can be life-threatening.

With the emergence of new contagious diseases and the reemergence of old ones, it’s more important than ever to take preventative measures to protect ourselves and our communities.

What is an Infectious Disease?

It is a disorder caused by organisms that invade and spread within the body. These organisms, also known as pathogens, can include viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites. The most common symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and respiratory issues.

While some conditions can be easily treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications, others can be more difficult to cure. Many infections can sometimes lead to long-term health problems, disability, or death.

According to Our World In Data, infectious diseases are responsible for over 10.5 million deaths worldwide each year. In recent years, the world has seen the emergence of new contagious diseases, such as COVID-19, and the resurgence of old ones, like tuberculosis and measles.

It’s important to take preventative measures to avoid contracting these diseases, such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and getting vaccinated.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Infectious Diseases

1. Tuberculosis

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a major public health problem worldwide. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other body parts such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is spread from person to person through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 1.6 million TB deaths in 2021, making it one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of a single infectious agent, ranking above HIV/AIDS.

2. COVID-19

It is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It first emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, soon becoming a global pandemic. This infectious disease primarily spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus has rapidly spread worldwide and resulted in millions of deaths.

As of March 2023, there have been over 700 million confirmed cases and almost 7 million deaths worldwide. Vaccines have been developed to help prevent infection, and it is important to follow guidelines such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing to help prevent the spread of the virus.

3. Malaria

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It primarily affects people living in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with the highest burden of disease occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Malaria can be prevented by implementing deep cleaning methods, such as using insecticide-treated mosquito nets, spraying insecticides in homes, and taking preventive medication.

4. Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. The measles virus causes it and primarily affects children.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. It can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and death in severe cases.

You can prevent measles by getting vaccinated — consulting with an infectious disease doctor is advisable. Indeed, the 2019 spike in cases was primarily attributed to a rise in unvaccinated children.

5. Influenza

It is a viral respiratory illness that primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The flu can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to complications such as pneumonia.

According to the CDC, there were an estimated 27 to 54 million flu cases in the United States during the 2022-2023 flu season, resulting in over 600,000 hospitalizations and 19,000-58,000 deaths. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

When to Call Coronavirus Disinfecting Services

With the emergence of new and highly contagious diseases like COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to take preventative measures to protect ourselves and our communities. One way to do this is by ensuring that high-touch surfaces in our homes and workplaces undergo regular disinfection.

You may want to consider calling disinfection services if:

1. Someone in your household or workplace has tested positive for COVID-19.

If someone in your household or workplace has tested positive, preventing further virus spread is important. It includes disinfecting surfaces the infected person may have come into contact with.

2. You have had visitors or workers in your home or workplace.

If you’ve had visitors or workers in your home or workplace, it’s important to ensure that high-touch surfaces are disinfected to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

3. You have a high-traffic area.

Suppose you have a high-traffic area like a store, restaurant, or gym. In that case, it’s important to avail of COVID disinfecting services to disinfect surfaces and prevent the potential spread of the disease.

4. You want to take proactive measures to protect your home or workplace.

Even if no one in your household or workplace has tested positive for COVID-19, regularly disinfecting surfaces can still be a prudent measure to thwart the potential transmission of the virus.

Final Thoughts

If you believe you may have been exposed to infectious diseases, have visited a high-traffic area, or want to take proactive measures to protect your home or workplace, consider contacting an expert.

United Restoration offers a disinfection service that can help keep you and your community safe.