| contagion | Synonym: contagium. 2. Transmission of infection by direct contact, droplet spread, or contaminated fomites. The term originated long before development of modern ideas of infectious disease and has since lost much of its significance, being included under the more inclusive term "communicable disease." 3. Production via suggestion or imitation of a neurosis or psychosis in several or more members of a group. Origin: L. Contagio; fr. Contingo, to touch closely (05 Mar 2000) |
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| mediate contagion | Indirect contagion effected through the medium of persons or objects that have been in contact with the sick. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| psychic contagion | Communication of a nervous disorder or lesser psychological symtoms by imitation, as in mass hysteria. (05 Mar 2000) |
| immediate contagion | Direct contagion occurring as the result of actual contact with the sick. (05 Mar 2000) |