4 Common Modes of Transmission in Health Care

1. Contact Transmission

Contact transmission occurs when an infectious agent is transmitted from one person to another through direct or indirect contact. Direct contact occurs when an infected person’s skin or mucous membranes come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an uninfected person. Indirect contact occurs when an infected person’s body fluids or secretions come into contact with an object or surface, and then an uninfected person comes into contact with that object or surface.

Diseases that can be transmitted through contact include:

Common cold
Influenza
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Chickenpox
Shingles
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
HIV
MRSA
C. diff

2. Droplet Transmission

Droplet transmission occurs when an infectious agent is transmitted through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can travel through the air and land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. People who are in close contact with an infected person are at the highest risk of getting sick.

Diseases that can be transmitted through droplet transmission include:

Common cold
Influenza
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Chickenpox
Shingles
Whooping cough
Meningitis
Pneumonia
Tuberculosis

3. Airborne Transmission

Airborne transmission occurs when an infectious agent is transmitted through tiny particles that can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. These particles can be produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, or when they are generated by medical procedures such as intubation or suctioning. People who are in the same room with an infected person are at risk of getting sick, even if they are not in close contact.

Diseases that can be transmitted through airborne transmission include:

Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Chickenpox
Shingles
Tuberculosis

4. Vehicle Transmission

Vehicle transmission occurs when an infectious agent is transmitted through food, water, or other objects. Foodborne illnesses can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Waterborne illnesses can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Other objects that can transmit infectious agents include contaminated medical devices, clothing, and bedding.

Diseases that can be transmitted through vehicle transmission include: