Active Transmission
Active transmission occurs when the parasite (or its vector) actively seeks out the host rather than relying on accidental contact.
It can occur in two main ways: (1) an animate vector actively finds the host and delivers the parasite (e.g., tsetse flies transmitting African trypanosomiasis), or (2) an active parasite stage directly penetrates or invades the host (e.g., schistosome cercariae penetrating human skin in water).
Why it matters: Prevention strategies differ depending on whether transmission is vector-driven or parasite-driven (water exposure, insect control, protective clothing, etc.).
