Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases Basic 6 Basic Technology Lesson Note

LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define communicable and non-communicable diseases
2. List kinds of communicable diseases
3. Give concepts of non-communicable diseases
4. Identify types of non-communicable diseases

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Definition: Communicable diseases (also called infectious or contagious diseases) are illnesses that can spread from one person to another, or from animals to humans. They are caused by pathogens (germs).

Characteristics:

• Caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites)
• Can be transmitted from person to person
• Infectious
• Can be prevented with hygiene and vaccination
• Can cause epidemics or pandemics

TYPES/KINDS OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

1. AIRBORNE DISEASES (Spread through air)

Tuberculosis (TB):

• Caused by bacteria
• Spreads through coughing/sneezing
• Affects lungs
• Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, coughing blood, fever, weight loss

Influenza (Flu):

• Caused by virus
• Spreads through respiratory droplets
• Symptoms: Fever, body aches, cough, sore throat

Measles:

• Caused by virus
• Highly contagious
• Symptoms: Red rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes

Chickenpox:

• Caused by varicella virus
• Spreads through air and direct contact
• Symptoms: Itchy blisters, fever

COVID-19:

• Caused by coronavirus
• Spreads through respiratory droplets
• Symptoms: Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste/smell

2. WATER-BORNE DISEASES (Spread through contaminated water)

Cholera:

• Caused by bacteria (Vibrio cholerae)
• Contaminated water and food
• Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration
• Can be fatal if not treated

Typhoid Fever:

• Caused by bacteria (Salmonella typhi)
• Contaminated water and food
• Symptoms: High fever, headache, stomach pain, constipation/diarrhea

Dysentery:

• Caused by bacteria or amoeba
• Contaminated water
• Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain

Hepatitis A:

• Caused by virus
• Contaminated water and food
• Affects liver
• Symptoms: Jaundice (yellow eyes), fatigue, nausea

3. VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES (Spread by insects/animals)

Malaria:

• Caused by protozoa (Plasmodium)
• Transmitted by female Anopheles mosquito
• Most common in Nigeria
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, sweating, headache, body aches

Yellow Fever:

• Caused by virus
• Transmitted by mosquitoes
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, jaundice, bleeding

Sleeping Sickness:

• Caused by protozoa (Trypanosoma)
• Transmitted by tsetse fly
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, extreme sleepiness

Lassa Fever:

• Caused by virus
• Transmitted by rats (urine and droppings)
• Symptoms: Fever, bleeding, weakness

4. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs)

HIV/AIDS:

• Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Transmitted through blood, sexual contact
• Weakens immune system
• No cure but can be managed

Syphilis:

• Caused by bacteria
• Transmitted through sexual contact
• Symptoms: Sores, rashes, fever

Gonorrhea:

• Caused by bacteria
• Transmitted through sexual contact
• Symptoms: Painful urination, discharge

5. CONTACT DISEASES (Spread by direct contact)

Ringworm:

• Caused by fungus
• Direct skin contact
• Symptoms: Circular itchy rash

Scabies:

• Caused by mites
• Direct skin contact
• Symptoms: Intense itching, rash

Ebola:

• Caused by virus
• Contact with infected body fluids
• Symptoms: Fever, bleeding, organ failure
• Very deadly

PREVENTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

1. Personal Hygiene: 
   1. Wash hands frequently
   2. Bath daily
   3. Keep environment clean
2. Safe Water and Food: 
   1. Drink clean water
   2. Wash fruits and vegetables
   3. Cook food thoroughly
3. Vaccination: 
   1. Get immunized
   2. Follow vaccination schedule
4. Vector Control: 
   1. Use mosquito nets
   2. Clear stagnant water
   3. Use insecticides
5. Avoid Contact: 
   1. Stay away from sick people
   2. Don’t share personal items
   3. Use protection (masks, gloves)
6. Safe Practices: 
   1. Don’t share needles
   2. Practice safe behaviors
   3. Use clean medical equipment

NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDs)

Definition: Non-communicable diseases are illnesses that cannot be transmitted from one person to another. They are not caused by pathogens and are not infectious. They are often chronic (long-lasting) and develop slowly.

Characteristics:

• Not caused by pathogens
• Cannot spread from person to person
• Not infectious
• Usually chronic (long-term)
• Often preventable through lifestyle changes
• May be hereditary or lifestyle-related

CAUSES OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

1. Genetic/Hereditary: 
   1. Inherited from parents
   2. Family history
2. Lifestyle Factors: 
   1. Poor diet
   2. Lack of exercise
   3. Smoking
   4. Alcohol abuse
   5. Stress
3. Environmental Factors: 
   1. Pollution
   2. Radiation
   3. Chemical exposure
4. Age: 
   1. More common in older people
   2. Degenerative conditions

TYPES OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

1. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES (Heart and blood vessels)

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

• Blood pressure too high
• Can damage heart and blood vessels
• Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds
• Risk factors: Poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, obesity

Heart Attack:

• Blocked blood flow to heart
• Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, arm pain
• Can be fatal

Stroke:

• Blocked or burst blood vessel in brain
• Symptoms: Sudden weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking
• Medical emergency

2. RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Asthma:

• Chronic lung disease
• Airways become narrow and inflamed
• Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness
• Triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air
• Cannot be cured but can be managed

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

• Lung damage (usually from smoking)
• Symptoms: Chronic cough, shortness of breath
• Progressive disease

3. METABOLIC DISEASES

Diabetes:

• Body cannot properly use sugar (glucose)
• High blood sugar levels
• Type 1: Body doesn’t produce insulin (genetic)
• Type 2: Body doesn’t use insulin properly (lifestyle-related)
• Symptoms: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision
• Can be managed with diet, exercise, medication

Obesity:

• Excessive body fat
• Increases risk of other diseases
• Caused by overeating, lack of exercise
• Can lead to diabetes, heart disease

4. CANCER

Definition: Abnormal growth of cells that can invade other tissues

Types:

• Lung cancer (often from smoking)
• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Colon cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer

Risk Factors:

• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Family history
• Radiation exposure
• Certain chemicals

Symptoms vary but may include:

• Unexplained lumps
• Persistent pain
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Changes in skin or moles

5. DEFICIENCY DISEASES

Kwashiorkor:

• Severe protein deficiency
• Not infectious
• Caused by poor nutrition

Rickets:

• Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
• Weak bones
• Not contagious

Anemia:

• Iron deficiency
• Low red blood cells
• Cannot spread

Scurvy:

• Vitamin C deficiency
• Bleeding gums
• Not transmissible

6. MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

Depression:

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest
• Not contagious

Anxiety Disorders:

• Excessive worry
• Not transmissible

7. GENETIC DISORDERS

Sickle Cell Disease:

• Inherited blood disorder
• Abnormal red blood cells
• Causes pain crises
• Cannot spread to others

Down Syndrome:

• Genetic condition
• Extra chromosome
• Developmental delays

Albinism:

• Lack of melanin (skin pigment)
• Very pale skin and hair
• Genetic

8. DEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Arthritis:

• Joint inflammation and pain
• Common in older people
• Not infectious

Osteoporosis:

• Weak, brittle bones
• Common in elderly
• Not transmissible

Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Memory loss
• Brain degeneration
• Not contagious

PREVENTION OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

1. Healthy Diet: 
   1. Eat balanced meals
   2. Reduce sugar and salt
   3. Eat fruits and vegetables
   4. Avoid processed foods
2. Regular Exercise: 
   1. At least 30 minutes daily
   2. Stay active
   3. Maintain healthy weight
3. Avoid Harmful Substances: 
   1. Don’t smoke
   2. Avoid alcohol
   3. Avoid drugs
4. Regular Check-ups: 
   1. Visit doctor regularly
   2. Early detection
   3. Monitor health
5. Stress Management: 
   1. Rest adequately
   2. Relax
   3. Manage emotions
6. Environmental Safety: 
   1. Avoid pollution
   2. Use sun protection
   3. Safe work practices

COMPARISON TABLE

EVALUATION

1. What is a communicable disease?
2. Give three examples of communicable diseases
3. Define non-communicable disease
4. Name three non-communicable diseases
5. How can we prevent non-communicable diseases?

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Communicable diseases are caused by ________ 

1. a) Poor lifestyle
2. b) Pathogens
3. c) Genetics only
4. d) Age

1. Which disease is communicable? 

1. a) Diabetes
2. b) Malaria
3. c) Asthma
4. d) Cancer

1. Non-communicable diseases ________ 

1. a) Can spread easily
2. b) Cannot spread
3. c) Are always acute
4. d) Are all genetic

1. Which is non-communicable? 

1. a) Tuberculosis
2. b) Cholera
3. c) Hypertension
4. d) Measles

1. Diabetes is a ________ disease 

1. a) Communicable
2. b) Non-communicable
3. c) Infectious
4. d) Contagious

ANSWERS: 1.b 2.b 3.b 4.c 5.b

HOMEWORK

1. Define communicable and non-communicable diseases
2. Make a table with 5 communicable and 5 non-communicable diseases
3. Explain three ways to prevent communicable diseases
4. How can lifestyle changes prevent non-communicable diseases?
5. Why are non-communicable diseases increasing in Nigeria?