Smitteførende

Smitteførende is a Norwegian term used to describe a person, animal, or object that is capable of transmitting an infectious agent to others. In health and public health contexts, the label highlights the potential for spread rather than the mere presence of infection.

In epidemiology, infectiousness varies during the course of an illness and depends on factors such as the pathogen, the stage of infection, and host factors. A person can be smitteførende before symptoms develop, during the symptomatic phase, or after symptoms subside, depending on the disease. Asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals can also be smitteførende for certain infections. Transmission can occur via multiple routes, including contact, droplets, aerosols, or vectors.

The concept informs infection-control practices. Identifying smitteførende individuals helps determine appropriate measures such as isolation, quarantine, contact tracing, and hygiene protocols to prevent further transmission. It is also relevant for decisions about testing, work or school attendance, and travel restrictions during outbreaks.

Smitteførende is closely related to, but distinct from, related terms. Smittsom describes how easily a disease spreads (infectiousness), while smitteførende focuses on the capability to transmit in a given situation. It is also related to smittebærer (carrier) and to the broader idea of smittespredning, the spread of infection within a population.