Two of the eponymous diseases in this episode are transmitted through incredibly casual exposure. The third requires more prolonged, direct contact with someone who is acutely ill, but can still spread really rapidly in certain conditions.
Research:

SYMHC Classics: Gustave Courbet
40:51

Behind the Scenes Minis: Oh, Kropotkin!
17:28

Peter Kropotkin's Mutual Aid, Part 2
49:57