What does the term "high infectivity" refer to in the context of pathogens?

The term "high infectivity" specifically refers to a pathogen's ability to spread and infect hosts effectively. It describes how easily an infectious agent can be transmitted from one individual to another. A pathogen with high infectivity requires fewer infectious particles to initiate an infection in a susceptible host, meaning it can spread rapidly and efficiently within a population.

In this context, the concept revolves around the measure of transmission rather than the strength or severity of the disease it causes. While the ability to invade undetected is an important aspect of some pathogens, it does not fully encapsulate what high infectivity means, which is primarily concerned with the frequency and ease of transmission.

Understanding infectivity is crucial for public health strategies, as it informs how outbreaks are managed and how preventative measures are implemented. For instance, highly infectious pathogens might require immediate quarantine measures to control their spread, highlighting the importance of this metric in infection control practices.