What are infectious diseases?
Infection is caused by pathogens ('bugs') such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa or fungi getting into or onto the body.
While infectious diseases currently affect a relatively low number of workers, they could potentially become one of the biggest causes of illness within workplaces as well as in the community.
Serious or life-threatening infectious diseases
Influenza pandemic
While influenza (‘flu’) is common, influenza pandemics are rare. They occur when a new and severe strain of influenza spreads easily through the population, affecting thousands of people in a short period of time. Because many illnesses are infectious before symptoms have developed, air travel provides an efficient way for pandemics to spread globally.
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Avian flu
Avian (bird) flu is a disease that has occasionally spread from birds in poultry farms to humans, causing severe flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, death.
Q Fever
Q Fever is a preventable disease that spreads from infected livestock to people working with livestock. It has flu-like symptoms, and can cause long-term heart and liver problems.
Hepatitis B and C and HIV
Needlestick injuries can transfer viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV. These viruses can cause significant long-term health problems and death.
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