How Pathogens Spread

How Pathogens Spread

Find out how the 5 pathogens spread and cause disease!

Viruses

Viruses can spread through direct contact from person to person, through bodily fluid or feces (poop), or can be transmitted on clothing or on surfaces.  Viruses can also be transmitted via a vector, such as a  mosquito.  

Multiple Select

True or False: I can catch a virus if a share a drink with a classmate.

• True

• False

Bacteria

Bacteria can be transmitted in a similar way to viruses through direct contact of person to person or through indirect contact on a person’s clothing or by feces.  Bacteria can also be found in contaminated food sources, water sources, and in the soil.  Bacteria can be transmitted via a vector, the tick or a fly.

Vector

Vector is an organism, mosquito, tick, fly, that spreads a virus or bacteria from animal to person, or person to person.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following organisms are considered a vector for disease?

• Mosquito

• Tick

• Flea

• All of the above

Protists (Protozoa)

Protozoa can be found in water supplies or transmitted by other animals, such as through bird feces.  Protozoa can also be transmitted via vectors, such as a mosquito. 

Multiple Choice

Which one is an example of a protozoal disease?

• Common Cold

• Tetanus

• Malaria

• Tapeworm

Fungus

Fungal spores can be found throughout a person’s environment.  Fungus can also spread via direct contact between people.

Poll

Have you ever had some type of fungal infection such as ringworm or athlete's foot?

• Yes

• No

Animal Parasites

Internal animal parasites are most commonly spread through contaminated feces.  Eating undercooked food or food that is contaminated may allow a person to pick up eggs or various types of worms.  Some worms can imbed through the skin of a person’s foot  and enter the human.

Multiple Select

True or False: Parasite eggs can be found in the feces of animals who are infected.

• True

• False

Open Ended

Have you ever been infected by one of the pathogens? If you'd like you may share below.