Communicable Diseases
For information on how various communicable diseases are spread and how to avoid transmission, call 309/679-6022
What are communicable diseases?
A communicable disease such as the common cold is a disease that spreads from person to person. Communicable diseases are diseases that you can "catch" from someone or something else. These diseases are found in people, animals, food and water. You can't tell by looking at people whether they carry a communicable disease.
What do you "catch" when you get a communicable disease?
When a person becomes sick with a communicable disease it means a germ has invaded their body. Germs are tiny organisms that may cause diseases. They are so small you need a microscope to see them. There are 4 types of germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Protozoa.
What can you do to prevent getting a communicable disease?
- Wash your hands well and often with soap and water. This is the most important infection control measure.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, throw away the tissue.
- If you are near a person who is coughing or sneezing, keep a distance from them of at least 3 feet.
- Prepare and handle food in a sanitary manner.
- If something doesn't taste right, don't eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Dispose of wastes properly.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces regularly.
- Use latex or vinyl gloves for contact with blood.
- Some communicable diseases can be prevented by receiving vaccinations. Peoria City/County Health offers immunization clinics to help prevent the spread of many communicable diseases.
For information on Communicable Diseases, visit or call:
- Peoria City/County Health Department Communicable Disease office: 309/679-6022.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Illinois Department of Public Health
For information on Epidemiology visit: