Contagiousness: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to diseases or conditions that quickly spread from one person to another, often through physical contact or proximity.

• The contagiousness of the flu makes it vital to stay home when feeling unwell
• Experts are studying the contagiousness of the new virus variant

Employed when discussing how easily a disease or condition is transmitted, generally including both direct and indirect contact methods.

• The infectiousness of malaria requires specific preventive measures
• Understanding the infectiousness of HIV has helped in developing better protective strategies

Used in scientific or medical contexts to describe the overall ability of a disease to be passed from one person or organism to another.

• Researchers are analyzing the transmissibility of the new respiratory illness
• The transmissibility of the bacteria made it a significant public health issue

Although the same as the first due to a typo, this term is the correct form to use.

• The contagiousness of certain diseases makes them hard to control

This term is often used in a broader context than 'contagiousness.' It can refer to both the ease with which a disease is spread and how easily it can establish an infection in a new host. It is commonly used in scientific and medical discussions.

• The infectiousness of measles is extremely high, making vaccination crucial
• Researchers are studying the infectiousness of new bacterial strains

This term is used to describe the capability of a disease to be transmitted from one individual to another. It is a more technical, often scientific term, focused on the mechanisms and efficiency of transmission rather than just the ease.

• The transmissibility of the virus was greatly enhanced by mutations in its spike protein
• Scientists are investigating factors affecting the transmissibility of airborne pathogens