Communicable Diseases

What is a communicable disease?

Communicable diseases, also known as infectious or transmissible diseases, are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment works to protect the community from these diseases. The Communicable Disease team tracks illnesses in Pueblo, investigates outbreaks, and shares important information with healthcare providers and the public to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Please note: the department does not provide testing or treatment for diseases, except for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis (TB).​

Modes of Transmission

Communicable Diseases can be transmitted from one person or animal to another person through the following means:

Modes of Transmission

Person coughing; droplets spreading through the air

Airborne

Inhaling or breathing contaminated air.

Two people shaking hands

Direct Contact

Coming into contact with germs in saliva, mucus, blood, or feces.

A hand grabbing a door handle

Indirect Contact

Touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by germs.

Mosquito

Vectorborne

Being bitten by a tick or mosquito carrying a disease-causing agent.

Spoon with germs

Foodborne

Eating food contaminated with germs.

A sign: No Contact With Water, No Swimming, No Drinking, Do Not Touch

Waterborne

Drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water.

Communicable Disease Data

Emerging Issues