What is a contagion?

Contagion, or infectious disease transmission, occurs when a pathogen or infectious agent enters the body and multiplies, causing disease or infection. Infectious agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They can spread through various means, including direct contact, airborne transmission, contact with contaminated surfaces, vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks, and contaminated food or water. Factors such as host susceptibility, the pathogen's ability to transmit, and environmental conditions influence the spread of contagious diseases. Understanding and controlling contagion is vital for public health and preventing the spread of infections within individuals, communities, and populations.