What is an example of a disease requiring droplet isolation?

Droplet isolation is necessary for diseases that are spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. In this context, pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets.

When a person with pertussis coughs, they release droplets that can be inhaled by others in close proximity, making droplet isolation critical to preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. This type of isolation typically requires the use of masks and maintaining distance from others to limit exposure.

Both influenza and COVID-19 are also spread through respiratory droplets. However, pertussis is specifically categorized under droplet isolation protocols, which emphasizes the importance of isolating patients with this infection to protect other patients and healthcare workers. In contrast, HIV/AIDS is primarily transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, and does not require droplet isolation.