What type of disease is defined as capable of transmission from one person to another?

The correct answer is defined as a communicable disease, which refers to illnesses that can be transmitted from one person to another, often through direct contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces. This encompasses a wide range of diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis, and the common cold, where infection can easily pass among individuals, highlighting the importance of hygiene and preventive measures in controlling their spread.

While contagious diseases are often included under the umbrella of communicable diseases, they typically imply an even higher ease of transmission, often through close personal contact, but do not encompass the full category of communicable diseases, which can also include those spread via vectors or surfaces. Chronic diseases, on the other hand, refer to long-lasting conditions that generally cannot be transmitted from one person to another, such as diabetes or heart disease. Non-communicable diseases include those that are not infectious in nature and cannot be passed between individuals, thus falling outside the definition of communicable diseases.