Grade 5 Home Science Healthy Living – Common Communicable Diseases Notes
Home Science — Healthy Living
Subtopic: Common Communicable Diseases (for age 10 — Kenya)
Communicable diseases are illnesses that can spread from one person (or animal) to another. Germs (bacteria, viruses, parasites) cause them. Below are common ones in Kenya, simple symptoms, and easy ways to prevent them.
Malaria 🦟
Cause: A parasite spread by mosquito bites (Anopheles).
Symptoms: fever, chills, headache, tiredness.
Prevention: sleep under a treated mosquito net (LLIN), remove standing water near home, use mosquito repellent.
When to see a doctor: if you have fever or feel very sick — seek care quickly.
Cholera 🚰
Cause: Bacteria in dirty water or food.
Symptoms: watery diarrhoea, vomiting, very thirsty.
Prevention: drink boiled or treated water, wash hands, use clean toilets, keep food covered.
When to see a doctor: if someone has severe diarrhoea or cannot drink, go to a health facility quickly.
Typhoid (Salmonella) 🍽️
Cause: Bacteria from contaminated food or water.
Symptoms: high fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite.
Prevention: clean water, wash hands before eating, cook food well, avoid feeding from dirty places.
When to see a doctor: if fever lasts more than a couple of days or is very high.
Measles 🤒
Cause: A virus spread by coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms: fever, rash, cough, red eyes.
Prevention: vaccination (under the national immunisation program), keep sick children at home.
When to see a doctor: if a child has fever and a rash — tell a parent and visit a clinic.
Diarrhoea (including rotavirus) 🚽
Cause: Germs in dirty water, food, or hands.
Symptoms: loose or watery stools, stomach pain, sometimes vomiting.
Prevention: clean water, wash hands, keep toilets clean, vaccinate babies (rotavirus vaccine is in the immunisation schedule).
When to see a doctor: if there is strong dehydration (dry mouth, little or no pee, very sleepy) — go to a clinic.
Tuberculosis (TB) 🫁
Cause: Bacteria spread by coughing from a person with TB.
Symptoms: long cough (2 weeks or more), weight loss, night sweats.
Prevention: good ventilation at home, cover mouth when coughing, seek medical care if cough is long.
When to see a doctor: if cough lasts a long time or if someone is losing weight and feels weak.
Common cold & Influenza 🤧
Cause: Viruses that spread when people cough or touch shared things.
Symptoms: runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat.
Prevention: cover mouth when sneezing, wash hands, avoid sharing cups or bottles, stay home when sick.
When to see a doctor: if breathing is hard, high fever, or feeling very ill.
Ringworm (skin infection) 🧴
Cause: Fungus that spreads by touch or shared towels.
Symptoms: itchy round rash on skin or scalp.
Prevention: keep skin clean and dry, don't share towels or combs, tell an adult to see a nurse for treatment.
- Wash hands with soap and water often.
- Drink only boiled or treated water.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
- Keep toilets and waste away from the house.
- Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Do not share toothbrushes, towels, or food utensils.
- Make sure children get their vaccinations at the clinic.
- Keep your compound clean — remove standing water and garbage.
- High fever, very bad cough, or trouble breathing.
- Very watery diarrhoea or someone cannot drink.
- A rash that spreads quickly or is painful.
- Many mosquitoes near your home or lots of standing water.
These tips help keep you, your family, and your friends healthy. If you are ever unsure, ask a parent, teacher, or go to your nearest health facility. Stay clean and stay safe!