Verified answer

Malaria and tuberculosis are both communicable diseases, but they are caused by different infectious agents and have different modes of transmission.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily spreads through the inhalation of infected droplets released into the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks. The bacteria can survive in the air for several hours, and if someone inhales these infected droplets, they can become infected with TB. Therefore, being in close proximity to a TB patient increases the risk of transmission because the bacteria can be easily inhaled.

On the other hand, malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects the malaria parasites into the bloodstream. The parasites then travel to the liver and multiply, eventually infecting red blood cells. Malaria cannot be directly transmitted from person to person like TB. It requires the presence of infected mosquitoes to spread the disease. Therefore, spending time with a malaria patient does not pose a direct risk of infection unless there are mosquitoes present that can transmit the parasite.

In summary, the difference in the modes of transmission between TB and malaria is the reason why staying close to a tuberculosis patient increases the risk of infection, while spending time with a malaria patient alone does not lead to infection.