What type of disease can be spread through direct contact?

Contagious diseases are those that can be spread from one person to another through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. This includes diseases caused by infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Examples include common colds, influenza, and chickenpox. The mechanism of transmission typically involves the transfer of pathogens through skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, or fluids.

In contrast, non-contagious diseases are not spread between individuals and are often caused by genetic factors, environmental influences, or lifestyle choices. Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that can be managed but not necessarily cured, such as diabetes or heart disease, and they are not typically transmitted between people. Acute diseases, while they can be contagious, refer more to the duration and severity of the illness rather than the mode of transmission. Therefore, the definition of contagious disease fits perfectly as the correct answer, emphasizing the direct contact transmission aspect.