Droplet precautions are used for diseases spread by droplets in the air, normally traveling no further than 3 feet. Which disease is an example of this?

• A. Mumps
• B. Tuberculosis
• C. Measles
• D. Chickenpox

Answer: (A)

Droplet precautions are used for infections spread by larger respiratory droplets that travel only a short distance, usually about 3 feet, from the infected person and don’t stay suspended in the air. Mumps spreads mainly through saliva and respiratory droplets produced when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes, so it fits this mode of transmission. Because the droplets don’t linger in the air and travel a limited distance, protective measures focus on reducing exposure within that close range—for example, using a surgical mask for caregivers and visitors within about 3 feet of the patient, along with standard precautions.

In contrast, diseases like tuberculosis spread through tiny particles that can remain airborne for longer periods and travel farther, requiring airborne precautions (special rooms and respirators). Measles and chickenpox also spread via airborne routes, not just larger droplets. So the example that aligns with droplet transmission is mumps.