Carrier State

Carrier state occurs when a person harbors a contagious microorganism, such as a bacteria or virus, in their body without showing symptoms of illness. They can still transmit the pathogen to others who might become sick. Carriers often have a strong immune response that keeps the infection in check, preventing symptoms, but they serve as a hidden source of infection. This concept is important in understanding how certain diseases spread, especially in outbreaks or populations where carriers unknowingly pass on germs, even though they feel healthy themselves.