Which of the following diseases requires droplet precautions?

Droplet precautions are necessary for diseases that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Mumps is a viral infection that is spread through these droplets, which can remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled by others in close proximity. Therefore, implementing droplet precautions is essential in preventing the spread of mumps, particularly in healthcare settings, to protect individuals who are susceptible to the virus.

In contrast, pulmonary tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through airborne particles, necessitating airborne precautions. Clostridium difficile, associated with diarrhea and colitis, is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and requires contact precautions. Scabies, caused by a mite that burrows into the skin, is also best managed with contact precautions, as it spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact rather than through respiratory droplets. Thus, mumps is the only option that aligns with the requirement for droplet precautions.