Disease Reservoirs

**Definition:** Animate or inanimate sources which normally harbor disease-causing organisms and thus serve as potential sources of disease outbreaks. Reservoirs are distinguished from vectors (DISEASE VECTORS) and carriers, which are agents of disease transmission rather than continuing sources of potential disease outbreaks. Humans may serve both as disease reservoirs and carriers.

**Tree numbers:** - N06.850.520.203.250

**Synonyms:** - Disease Reservoir - Infectious Disease Reservoirs