Direct Transmission
Direct transmission involves the immediate transfer of infectious agents from a carrier to a susceptible individual. This can occur through physical contact, such as touching, kissing, or sexual intercourse. It can also happen through droplet spread, where infectious agents are expelled by coughing or sneezing and inhaled by a nearby person.
Indirect Transmission
Indirect transmission involves the transfer of infectious agents via an intermediary object or organism. This can occur through:
Fomites: Inanimate objects like doorknobs, utensils, or medical instruments that can harbor and transfer pathogens.
Vectors: Living organisms, such as mosquitoes or ticks, that can carry and transmit infectious agents between hosts.
Airborne transmission: Infectious agents that are spread through dust or droplets that remain suspended in the air over long distances and time periods.
Vehicle transmission: Contaminated water, food, or air that can carry pathogens to multiple hosts.
Influenza: Primarily spread through droplet transmission via coughing and sneezing.
Malaria: Transmitted through the bite of an infected
mosquito vector.
HIV/AIDS: Spread through direct contact with infected body fluids, often through sexual contact or sharing needles.
COVID-19: Spread through both droplet and airborne transmission, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces.
Cholera: Transmitted through ingestion of contaminated water or food.
Hygiene practices: Regular handwashing and sanitization can prevent direct and fomite transmission.
Vector control: Using insect repellents, bed nets, and environmental management to reduce vector populations.
Vaccination: Immunization can create herd immunity, reducing the likelihood of disease spread.
Quarantine and isolation: Separating infected individuals to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Using masks, gloves, and other protective gear to prevent exposure to infectious agents.
