Which method is a common mode of transmission for chickenpox?

The correct answer is that chickenpox is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing the varicella-zoster virus are released into the air. Others in close proximity can inhale these droplets, leading to the transmission of the virus. This airborne transmission is particularly significant because it can occur even when an infected person is not in direct contact with others, making it a highly contagious illness.

While direct contact with infected materials can also lead to transmission, especially through touching the rash or blisters, the most common mode of spreading chickenpox remains through the air, which can allow for rapid outbreak situations in settings where people are in close quarters, like schools or daycare facilities. Ingestion of contaminated food and vector-borne transmission are not relevant for chickenpox, as the virus is not spread through these routes. The primary focus on airborne droplets highlights the importance of awareness and prevention in communal living environments.