An example of an illness transmitted by airborne transmission is measles.

What airborne transmission means

Airborne transmission happens when tiny infectious particles or droplets stay suspended in the air and are then breathed in by another person.

These particles can travel through the air over distances and time, especially in closed, poorly ventilated spaces.

Measles as an example

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing virus-containing droplets into the air.

People can become infected by breathing in these droplets or by being in the same room shortly after the infected person has left.

Other common airborne diseases

Some other diseases that can be spread through airborne transmission include:

  • Influenza (the flu).
  • COVID-19 (caused by SARS‑CoV‑2).
  • Chickenpox (varicella).
  • Tuberculosis (TB).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.