738 Workplace Hygiene and Illness Prevention Program Management

Contagious Diseases

What are Pathogens?

Pathogens are organisms that cause infectious diseases. Pathogens are also known as infectious agents and germs. When a pathogen enters and attacks a host, symptoms begin to appear. A host is a human who can carry a pathogen and become ill.

There are five main types of pathogens. In the workplace, viruses and bacteria are the most common causes of illness. Viruses are infectious agents that require a living host to replicate and thrive. Viruses cause viral infections. Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that supports many forms of life. Most bacteria are harmless, but there are a few that can cause illness. Bacteria cause bacterial infections.

Examples of infectious diseases caused by pathogens:

• Common Cold: Many viruses can cause the common cold. It is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat.
• Influenza (flu): A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): COVID-19 is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. This virus is related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003. Cases have ranged from mild symptoms to severe respiratory illness and death.
• Norovirus: The norovirus is also known as the stomach flu. Norovirus is a common virus that is not related to the flu.
• Measles: A highly contagious, serious disease that is caused by a virus. About 1 in 5 (20%) unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized.
• Strep Throat: A mild bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils.
• E. coli: Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria found in the environment, food, and intestines of people and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but others can make you sick.

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