Final answer:
Infectious diseases are those spread from person to person (or animal to person), caused by pathogens like bacteria and viruses, and mitigated by contact isolation. Non-infectious diseases do not spread between people and are often chronic. Different pathogens and transmission methods necessitate varied public health responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contact isolation refers to preventive measures taken to avoid the spread of infectious diseases, which are often spread through direct contact with an infected individual. Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. These diseases can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items and are a significant health concern worldwide. An example of an infectious disease transmitted this way is athlete's foot.
There are also non-infectious diseases, which are not spread from person to person and often chronic, affecting individuals over a longer period, typically older adults. Examples include diabetes and heart disease, with factors like lifestyle and genetics playing significant roles.
Some pathogens, such as the bacterium that causes tetanus, are not typically transmitted from person to person but from interaction with the environment, emphasizing the different ways diseases can be spread and the importance of understanding these patterns for public health.