Transmission

The passing/transmitting of a disease from an infected individual or group to a previously uninfected individual or group. One or more of the following mechanisms may transmit the disease-causing microorganism (pathogen) from one person to another (person-to-person):

○ Droplet contact - coughing or sneezing on another person

○ Direct physical contact - touching an infected person

○ Indirect contact - usually by touching a contaminated surface

○ Airborne transmission - if the microorganism can remain in the air for long periods

○ Fecal-oral transmission - usually from contaminated food or water sources

○ Vector-borne transmission - carried by insects or other animals