Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CBIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Droplet transmission refers to the transfer of infectious agents through respiratory droplets that are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. These droplets can travel a short distance, typically up to 6 feet, and can directly enter the mucous membranes of another person, such as those in the nose, mouth, or eyes. This mode of transmission is significant for certain respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, and many other communicable diseases.

In contrast, the other options describe different modes of transmission. The transfer through contaminated surfaces pertains to indirect contact transmission, where pathogens are passed to a person after touching surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected individual. Insect bites relate to vector-borne transmission, where insects carry infectious agents from one host to another. Transmission via blood contact falls under bloodborne pathogens, which requires exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids.

Understanding droplet transmission is crucial in infection control practices, particularly in healthcare settings, to help prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.