Which respiratory disease is known to be airborne and can transmit among people living closely together?

The correct answer is tuberculosis, which is an airborne respiratory disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing droplets that can be inhaled by others. This method of transmission is especially significant in environments where people live or work in close quarters, such as prisons, shelters, or nursing homes. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, making it crucial to implement proper ventilation and protection measures in these settings to limit the spread.

In contrast, while COVID-19 is also airborne, it is primarily viral rather than bacterial in nature. MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Hepatitis A do not primarily transmit through the air; MRSA is typically spread through direct contact with infected wounds or surfaces, and Hepatitis A spreads through ingestion of contaminated food or water, as well as through close personal contact. Understanding these distinctions helps emphasize the ways different infectious diseases are transmitted, highlighting the importance of targeted precautions, especially for airborne pathogens like tuberculosis.