What You Need To Know About Infectious Disease

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Disease Threats

Our “war” on infectious microbes has restricted the spread of several pathogens and drastically reduced the burden of human disease. But we are a long way from conquering infectious diseases. They account for about one-quarter of deaths worldwide and in 2015 they caused more than half of the estimated 5.9 million deaths in children under the age of 5. What are some of the most significant microbial threats we face?

Animal Carriers

Of the more than 1,700 known viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that infect people, more than half have come from animals.

What’s the connection between the common cold and horses? Between the measles and cows? Find out the part animals play in the story of infectious disease.

More about animal carriers

Foodborne Pathogens

Each year, about one in six Americans becomes infected by something they eat.

E. coli in spinach. Salmonella in peanut products. Norovirus on cruise ships. Learn more about the microbes behind foodborne illness—and how you can protect yourself.

More about foodborne pathogens

Global Killers

About one-third of the world’s population harbors the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium.

Learn about the deadly role lower respiratory tract infections, diarrheal diseases, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria play in the world—particularly in developing nations.

More about global killers

Influenza

Between 1976 and 2006, annual estimates of deaths from flu-related complications in the United States ranged from 3,000 to 49,000, depending on several factors.

We tend to toss around the term “flu” lightly, but real influenza is serious and may be the illness public health officials fear most. Find out what influenza really is, why it spreads so quickly, and how the seasonal flu differs from a pandemic.

More about influenza

Antibiotic Resistance

About 80% of all the antibiotics produced in the United States are added to animal feeds—not to fend off disease but to boost growth.

Antibiotics, medicines developed to kill harmful bacteria, have saved countless lives since the discovery of the first antibiotic—penicillin—in 1928. But use, and especially misuse and overuse, of these medicines is reducing their effectiveness. Find out why.

More about antibiotic resistance

Chronic Illness & Cancer

Chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the United States.

The discovery that certain cancers and chronic illnesses are caused by infectious agents is leading researchers to question whether other long-term illnesses may also be caused by infection—and curable with antibiotics. Learn more about the current thinking.

More about chronic illness & cancer

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What do you know about infectious disease?

Which of the following diseases is NOT caused by a virus?

Sorry, that’s incorrect.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterial infection. Chicken pox, the common cold, and influenza are all caused by viral infections.
Sorry, that’s incorrect.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterial infection. Chicken pox, the common cold, and influenza are all caused by viral infections.
Sorry, that’s incorrect.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterial infection. Chicken pox, the common cold, and influenza are all caused by viral infections.
Correct!

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterial infection. Chicken pox, the common cold, and influenza are all caused by viral infections.

Infectious Disease Defined

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID): Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, NIAID conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases.

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What You Need To Know About Infectious Disease

Disease Threats

Animal Carriers

Animal Carriers

Of the more than 1,700 known viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that infect people, more than half have come from animals.

Foodborne Pathogens

Foodborne Pathogens

Each year, about one in six Americans becomes infected by something they eat.

Global Killers

Global Killers

About one-third of the world’s population harbors the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium.

Influenza

Influenza

Between 1976 and 2006, annual estimates of deaths from flu-related complications in the United States ranged from 3,000 to 49,000, depending on several factors.

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic Resistance

About 80% of all the antibiotics produced in the United States are added to animal feeds—not to fend off disease but to boost growth.

Chronic Illness & Cancer

Chronic Illness & Cancer

Chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the United States.

Explore Other Topics

What do you know about infectious disease?

Which of the following diseases is NOT caused by a virus?

Infectious Disease Defined

National Academies

Source Material

Infection

Threats

Challenges

Prevention