What is a common characteristic of an active carrier of a disease?

An active carrier of a disease is someone who has contracted the pathogen responsible for the disease but may not show symptoms or have mild symptoms that are not severe enough to attract attention. Despite not being visibly ill, these individuals still harbor the infection and have the potential to transmit it to others. This characteristic is crucial in understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases, as active carriers can contribute to outbreaks without realizing they are contagious.

This distinction is significant in public health, particularly in controlling the spread of diseases. For instance, individuals who are carriers can unknowingly infect vulnerable populations, making it essential for health professionals to identify and manage carriers in disease prevention efforts. In contrast, choices that suggest severe symptoms, full recovery, or the inability to spread the disease do not accurately represent the nature of active carriers.