Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term "carrier" in the context of pathogens refers to an individual who may transmit pathogens without showing symptoms. Carriers can harbor infectious agents without exhibiting the overt signs of illness, making them particularly noteworthy in public health contexts. These individuals can still spread the pathogen to others, even though they themselves do not appear sick, which can complicate disease control and prevention efforts.

This understanding is crucial for managing outbreaks and ensuring that individuals who may unknowingly transmit diseases are identified and, when necessary, isolated or treated. The role of carriers is significant in the transmission dynamics of various infectious diseases, including viral and bacterial infections.