# Explain why communicable diseases spread more rapidly in areas where people live in overcrowded conditions.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 3.2 Communicable disease · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens / microorganisms that can be passed from one person to another
2. In overcrowded conditions people are in closer/more frequent contact with each other
3. This makes transmission of pathogens easier, e.g. via droplets in the air / direct contact / contaminated surfaces
4. More people are exposed to the pathogen so more people become infected / the disease spreads through the population more quickly

## Key terms

- [communicable disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/communicable-disease)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-communicable-diseases-spread-more-3c95b612) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.