Top 10 Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are illnesses which are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and protozoans, and they are a growing concern among health officials as population densities and climate temperatures increase around the globe. Here are the top 10 infectious diseases affecting human populations and steps you can take to protect yourself from them.

1. Foodborne Illness – illnesses caused by contaminated foods and beverages result in over 300,000 U.S. hospitalizations every year. Most foodborne illnesses are preventable through good hand washing habits, maintaining a clean food area and completely cooking raw foods.
2. Influenza – in the U.S. alone, over 200,000 people are hospitalized each year from influenza infections. You can protect yourself from flu viruses through recommended vaccines, diligent hand washing and by avoiding touches around your hands, mouth and eyes.
3. HIV/AIDS – the human immunodeficiency virus is a major concern in many areas of the world, and infections caused by this virus continue to rise. HIV infections may be prevented through abstinence, consistent safe-sex practices, and steps to reduce mother-to-child transmission; intravenous drug users may prevent HIV infections through the consistent use of sterilized needles.
4. MRSA – methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a strain of bacteria resistant to many conventional antibiotics. Known for causing hard-to-treat infections on and in the body, the spread of MRSA may be prevented through good hand washing habits, keeping open wounds covered, sanitizing household linens and by not sharing personal items such as razors, towels and washcloths.
5. Tuberculosis (TB) – the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis is primarily spread from person-to-person through respiratory pathways. It is estimated that one third of all people in the world are infected with TB, and a newer antibiotic resistant form of TB is emerging. Prevention for TB infections includes maintaining a healthy immune system and, if you are in a TB infection risk group, scheduled TB tests.
6. Gonorrhea – As many as 700,000 people in the U.S. become infected with gonorrhea every year, and a new form of antibiotic resistant gonorrhea is showing up among some infected patients. Fortunately, this type of sexually transmitted disease can be prevented through consistent safe sex practices.
7. Pneumococcal Disease – the bacterial which causes pneumococcal disease may attack different areas of the body and cause diseases such as sinus infections, blood infections and meningitis. Over 150,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year because of pneumococcal infections, but infections can be prevented through vaccinations.
8. Hepatitis A – the virus which causes Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily through infected fecal matter and it may cause severe liver disease. Preventative measures against Hepatitis A infections include vaccination, good hygiene and safe travel practices.
9. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – over half of all sexually active people will become infected with HPV at some time. Different strains of the HPV virus may cause genital warts and cervical cancer, but sometimes the virus causes no symptoms at all. Prevention measures for HPV viruses include vaccinations and consistent safe sex practices.
10. Malaria – passed through the bite of infected mosquitoes, malaria is one of the top infectious killers in the world. While it has been largely eradicated in the U.S., travelers visiting at-risk malaria countries should take preventative medications before their journey to reduce malaria infection risks.