Which term denotes diseases capable of transmission between people?

• A. Bloodborne Pathogens
• B. Pocket Reference for EMTs and Paramedics
• C. Infectious Diseases
• D. Paramedic Program

Answer: (C)

Diseases that can spread from one person to another are classified as infectious diseases. This category includes illnesses caused by pathogens—bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—that have the potential for transmission between people, through direct contact, droplets, airborne spread, or vectors. Understanding this helps explain why infection-control practices focus on preventing person-to-person transmission in prehospital settings. The term bloodborne pathogens refers to a specific subset of infectious agents that are transmitted mainly through blood, so it doesn’t cover all transmissible diseases. The remaining options are resources or programs, not disease categories, so they don’t denote diseases capable of transmission between people.