Controlling the Spread of Disease

The simplest way to prevent disease is to stop pathogens from spreading
This means using simple measures such as good hygiene and effective sanitation and waste disposal to contain pathogens and dispose of them safely

Measure to prevent spread	Explanation
Hygienic food preparation	Keep food cold so bacteria and fungi reproduce more slowly Prepare food hygienically to avoid contamination from pathogens by washing hands well with soap and cleaning work surfaces with products such as bleach to kill pathogens Cook food well to kill bacteria and fungi Cover food to prevent flies from landing on it before eating Use separate chopping boards/utensils for cutting uncooked meat Wash hands after using the bathroom and before handling food
Personal hygiene	Washing with soap removes substances which trap pathogens (as well as pathogens themselves) from the skin Use tissues to catch sneezes and coughs - dispose of used tissues as soon as possible as pathogens can still be alive Wash hands after using the bathroom
Waste disposal	Waste food is a food source for flies that can act as vectors for transmissible diseases and should be disposed of in a sealed container Rubbish bins should be covered and removed to the landfill for disposal or burning regularly All rubbish should be stored before collection away from human habitation
Sanitation	Homes and public places should have plumbing and drains to remove faeces and waste safely; these drains can carry pathogens Raw sewage should be treated to remove solid waste and kill pathogens before being released into the environment.

Controlling the Spread of Disease (Cambridge O Level Biology)