Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam

Being a carrier of an infectious agent refers to an individual who harbors the pathogen without exhibiting any noticeable symptoms of disease. In this case, the person can still play a critical role in the maintenance and spread of the infectious agent within a population.

When considering the option about being a reservoir, it is essential to understand that carriers serve as a reservoir for the pathogen, which means they provide a persistent source of infection. Despite being asymptomatic, these individuals can potentially transmit the infectious agent to others, contributing to the overall spread of the disease.

In contrast, the idea that they are highly contagious may not apply in all cases, as not every carrier is equally effective at transmitting the infectious agent. Similarly, while a carrier may develop symptoms over time, it is not guaranteed, and there are many instances where they remain asymptomatic indefinitely. Lastly, stating that carriers cannot transmit the disease does not reflect the truth of the situation, as many carriers can spread an infection even in the absence of symptoms. Therefore, recognizing a carrier as a reservoir aligns with the principles of infection control and public health, underlining the importance of monitoring asymptomatic individuals when managing infectious diseases.