What term describes a disease that is transmittable and can infect people?

The term "infectious" accurately describes a disease that is transmittable and has the potential to infect individuals. This category encompasses a broad range of diseases caused by pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can be spread from one person to another, either directly or indirectly.

Infectious diseases are characterized by their ability to be transferred between hosts, which often leads to outbreaks in populations. This term is essential in the context of public health and disease control, as it highlights the need for measures such as vaccination, proper hygiene, and isolation to prevent the spread of these diseases.

While "contagious" also refers to diseases that can spread from person to person, it is a more specific term that typically describes diseases that spread through direct contact. The other terms—"asymptomatic," referring to the absence of symptoms despite being infected, and "chronic," which indicates a long-lasting condition—do not encompass the concept of transmissibility in the same way as infectious does.