Which of the following infections requires airborne precautions due to its method of transmission?

Airborne precautions are necessary for infections that can be transmitted through respiratory particles that remain infectious over long distances and times in the air. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through tiny droplets that are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can linger in the air for an extended period and even travel considerable distances, making the risk of airborne transmission significant.

Because of this mode of transmission, healthcare facilities must implement airborne precautions to prevent the spread of measles, which includes isolating affected individuals, using specialized masks or respirators, and ensuring adequate ventilation in areas where care is provided.

In contrast, other infections listed, such as influenza, streptococcal infections, and the common cold, are primarily spread through droplet transmission, which involves larger respiratory droplets that typically travel only short distances and fall to the ground quickly. Therefore, while these diseases are contagious, they do not require the same stringent airborne precautions as measles.