Controlling the Spread of Disease (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Biology): Revision Note

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.