Breaking the Chain of Infection

The spread of an infection will be stopped if one or more of the links of the chain of infection is broken.

• True

• False

The 6 elements of the chain of infection are:

• Susceptible host, Pathogen, Reservoir, Portal of exit, Mode of transmission and Portal of entry

• Vaccinations, Hand hygiene, Documentation, Safe distancing, Contact tracing and Health screening

• Oxygen, Wood, Earth, Metal, Fire and Vitamins

• None of the above

To prevent the spread of infection Mary should stay at home when she is not feeling well

• as she is a susceptible host for other infections

• as her body may be a reservoir for pathogens (germs)

• as the pathogen (germs) may be transmitted to others when she coughs/sneezes

• all of the above

Food that falls on a dirty table top should not be eaten (eventhough if it for a few seconds) as the table top is a __________ for germs?

• Susceptible host

• Pathogen

• Reservoir

• Portal of entry

The mode of transmission is the way a pathogen travels, which is possible through

• direct contact

• indirect contact

• both direct and indirect contact

The portal of entry is the way a pathogen can enter a new host through

• a cut in the skin

• Ingestion (via the digestive tract)

• absorption (via mucous membranes such as eyes)

• all of the above