Final answer:
The term for the separation of an infectious source from its susceptible hosts is isolation, which helps to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Along with isolation, sanitation and vaccinations are crucial in preventing infectious diseases, including waterborne diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the separation of an infectious source from its susceptible hosts is isolation. Isolation is a control strategy used in healthcare and public health practices to separate individuals who are infected with a contagious disease from those who are healthy, to prevent the spread of infections. When a person is isolated, it implies that they are kept apart from others because they are known to be infected with a contagious disease. For example, if someone is diagnosed with a highly transmissible virus, they may be placed in an isolation room within a healthcare facility, and healthcare workers will use specific protocols to minimize the risk of transmitting the infection to others.
In the context of preventing waterborne diseases, practices such as hand washing, public health education, and vaccinations are important preventive measures. Moreover, understanding the principles of sanitation, observing protocols for disinfection, and recognizing the importance of biological safety levels (BSLs) can further prevent the spread of disease. Sanitation, for instance, helps reduce contact with disease-causing organisms, and vaccinations have played a crucial role in decreasing the incidence of infectious diseases.