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
Almost all the animals euthanized in 2025 had behavioral or health issues, including biting, aggression or contagious diseases that presented a danger to other pets in the shelter.
—
Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, spreading easily through air droplets, liable to infect up to 90% of unvaccinated people nearby.
—Katie Silver, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026
Measles, among the most contagious diseases, is typically the first to infect undervaccinated communities and serves as a warning that other scourges will follow.
—Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2026
Researchers consider measles among the most contagious diseases, and the virus may remain active for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
—Andrew Jones, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026
Researchers consider measles among the most contagious diseases, and the virus may remain active for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
—Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
Researchers consider measles among the most contagious diseases, and the virus may remain active for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
—Andrew Jones, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Immigration detainees are subjected to mold on walls, contagious diseases, a lack of medical care and a lack of clean water and food at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County, a lawsuit filed Monday against federal officials alleges.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, spreading easily through air droplets, liable to infect up to 90% of unvaccinated people nearby.
—Katie Silver, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026
Measles, among the most contagious diseases, is typically the first to infect undervaccinated communities and serves as a warning that other scourges will follow.
—Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2026
Researchers consider measles among the most contagious diseases, and the virus may remain active for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
—Andrew Jones, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026
Researchers consider measles among the most contagious diseases, and the virus may remain active for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
—Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
Researchers consider measles among the most contagious diseases, and the virus may remain active for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
—Andrew Jones, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Immigration detainees are subjected to mold on walls, contagious diseases, a lack of medical care and a lack of clean water and food at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County, a lawsuit filed Monday against federal officials alleges.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious diseases
Noun
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Overwatering can leave grass with weak roots and vulnerable to diseases, so stick to a schedule and spot-treat patches if needed.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
17 Apr. 2026
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However, these squashes can also be vulnerable to common plant diseases like powdery mildew or mosaic virus.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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All viruses change over time – and the type of virus that causes COVID-19 does so especially quickly.—
Kyle B. Enfield,
The Conversation,
28 Mar. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Contagious diseases.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious%20diseases. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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