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communicable disease
a disease whose causative agents may pass or be carried from one person to another directly or indirectly. Modes of transmission
include (1) direct contact with body excreta or discharges from an ulcer, open sore, or respiratory tract; (2) indirect contact
with inanimate objects such as drinking glasses, toys, or bedclothing; and (3) vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, or other
insects capable of spreading the disease. For special precautions to prevent the spread of communicable disease, see isolation. Called also contagious disease.

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