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Pathogens can be given off and carried in the air when an infected individual:

A. Comes in contact with another individual
B. Has an open sore that is bleeding
C. Coughs or sneezes into the air
D. Is carried by one host to infect another

Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Answer :

Final answer:

The best answer to how pathogens can be released into the air is when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. This action aerosolizes droplets containing pathogens, allowing them to spread in the environment. Other options mainly discuss different methods of transmission.


Explanation:

Understanding Pathogen Transmission

Pathogens, which are microscopic organisms that can cause disease, can be transmitted through the air in various ways. An infected individual can release pathogens into the environment through their actions, especially those that involve respiratory functions.

Answering the Question

Looking at the options provided:

  1. A. comes in contact with another individual - This typically refers to direct contact transmission rather than airborne.
  2. B. has an open sore that is bleeding - This relates to bloodborne pathogens, not airborne.
  3. C. coughs or sneezes into the air - This is a common method by which pathogens such as viruses and bacteria can be released into the atmosphere, leading to airborne diseases.
  4. D. is carried by one host to infect another - This describes vector-borne transmission, which may not be related to airborne pathogens.

Given this information, the correct answer is C. coughs or sneezes into the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they can aerosolize respiratory droplets that contain pathogens, which can then be inhaled by others, leading to the spread of illness.


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