as in infections
sickness that can be passed from one person, plant, or animal to another
Parents are advised to vaccinate their children against contagious diseases.
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Recent Examples of contagious diseases
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, but the MMR vaccine offers highly effective protection.
—
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet.
—Kathryn H. Jacobsen, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2025
Splitting doses increases the risk that one will be skipped, reducing vaccination rates against these highly contagious diseases.
—Flavia Mangan Colgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2025
Monarez’s testimony will come a day before the agency’s influential vaccine panel plans to vote on whether to delay or restrict access to shots that protect children against potentially serious contagious diseases.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
To prevent outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like measles, vaccination rates need to be as high as 95%.
—Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
After Monarez's termination, resignation letters followed from CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry and top officials for immunization and contagious diseases.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
He is currently being housed in the Rikers' facility reserved for individuals with contagious diseases and medical conditions requiring constant care.
—Chris Spargo, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet.
—Kathryn H. Jacobsen, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2025
Splitting doses increases the risk that one will be skipped, reducing vaccination rates against these highly contagious diseases.
—Flavia Mangan Colgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2025
Monarez’s testimony will come a day before the agency’s influential vaccine panel plans to vote on whether to delay or restrict access to shots that protect children against potentially serious contagious diseases.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
To prevent outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like measles, vaccination rates need to be as high as 95%.
—Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
After Monarez's termination, resignation letters followed from CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry and top officials for immunization and contagious diseases.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
He is currently being housed in the Rikers' facility reserved for individuals with contagious diseases and medical conditions requiring constant care.
—Chris Spargo, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious diseases
Noun
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If your plants were plagued by pests or diseases during the growing season, leaving diseased plant debris in your garden allows problems to overwinter and reinfect your plants in spring.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
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When making cuts, prune at a 45-degree angle to help water run off and prevent diseases.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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All the vaccines available for children this year protect against three different influenza viruses (two A viruses and one B virus).—
Dr. Kristina Bryant,
Boston Herald,
21 Sep. 2025
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And a third found that the medication may have a broader antiviral effect against other respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contagious diseases.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious%20diseases. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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