An uninfected person who could potentially become ill is referred to as what?

The term for an uninfected person who has the potential to become ill is a susceptible host. This refers to individuals who have not yet been infected by a pathogen but may be vulnerable to it due to various factors such as weakened immune systems, lack of vaccination, or exposure to pathogens. Susceptible hosts can be critical in understanding the dynamics of infection and disease spread in populations.

This concept is particularly important in public health and infection control, as identifying susceptible hosts helps in strategizing preventative measures and interventions to reduce the risk of disease transmission. The ability of a pathogen to cause illness often depends on the presence of susceptible hosts within a community, which can lead to outbreaks or epidemics if not managed appropriately.