Why are Subclinical Infections Important in Epidemiology?
Subclinical infections play a pivotal role in the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. Understanding their prevalence is essential for several reasons:
Transmission: Asymptomatic individuals can still transmit the pathogen, complicating efforts to control outbreaks. Population Immunity: Subclinical infections contribute to the development of herd immunity, as individuals develop antibodies without experiencing illness. Surveillance: Accurate epidemiological data must account for both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases to provide a complete picture of disease spread.
