Which term describes a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another?

• A. Communicable
• B. Noninfectious
• C. Genetic
• D. Sporadic

Answer: (A)

Communicable describes diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another. This means the illness can spread through direct contact, droplets, airborne exposure, or contaminated surfaces, which is why illnesses like the flu or measles are often considered communicable. In contrast, noninfectious conditions aren’t caused by pathogens and aren’t spread between people (for example, heart disease or diabetes). Genetic diseases are inherited through genes, not transmitted from person to person, and sporadic conditions occur irregularly with no pattern of contagion. So, the term that best fits “a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another” is communicable.