Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam

Mononucleosis, often dubbed "the kissing disease," is primarily transmitted through direct contact, particularly through saliva. This means that engaging in activities that involve the exchange of saliva, such as kissing, sharing drinks, or utensils, is the primary means of spreading the virus that causes mono, which is most commonly the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Direct contact transmission effectively explains the hallmark of the disease's nickname, as kissing is one of the most well-known ways the virus can be passed from one person to another. Unlike indirect contact, which involves transmission through objects or surfaces, or airborne routes, which would require someone breathing in airborne viruses, the nature of mononucleosis transmission specifically hinges on close personal interactions that allow saliva sharing. Vectors, such as mosquitoes or ticks, do not play a role in the transmission of this viral infection, further clarifying why direct contact is the most accurate answer.