Which of the following best describes indirect transmission?

• A. It does not involve direct contact with the infected person.
• B. It always involves direct contact with the infected person.
• C. It cannot occur outdoors.
• D. It is only possible with airborne pathogens.

Answer: (A)

Indirect transmission means a pathogen reaches a new host without direct touch from the infected person. It happens through an intermediary—like a contaminated object (fomite), a shared item, a vector such as a mosquito, or droplets that land on surfaces or are carried through the air to someone else. That intermediary allows spread without the infected person and the susceptible person having to directly contact each other.

This is why the statement that describes no direct contact with the infected person is the best fit. The other ideas aren’t correct because indirect transmission does not require direct contact, it can occur outdoors, and it isn’t limited to airborne pathogens—there are other routes like surfaces and vectors as well.