How Pathogens Spread
Pathogens can spread in many different ways. For instance, direct skin-to-skin contact during sex is known to cause sexually transmitted infections or STIs. Sneezing or coughing could cause these microorganisms to spread to other people through tiny droplets, which contain microorganisms, in the air. Other individuals will breathe them in and develop illnesses. Pathogens can penetrate into the gut as well when people take in contaminated water or food. Another risk factor is a bite from infected insects. For instance, some mosquitos with a viral infection would lead to Zika and some ticks contain bacteria that would cause Lyme disease when they bite people. [3]
