transmissibility

Transmissibility refers to how easily a disease spreads from one person to another. It is often measured by the basic reproduction number (R0), which indicates the average number of new cases generated by a single infected individual in a fully susceptible population. Higher transmissibility means the disease can spread quickly and widely, while lower transmissibility suggests slower or less extensive spread. Factors influencing transmissibility include the pathogen's characteristics, modes of transmission (like droplets or contact), and behaviors or conditions that facilitate spread. Understanding transmissibility helps in planning control measures to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.