True or False: The spread of infectious agents can occur more readily with the modern vectors of mass transportation.

The statement is true because modern vectors of mass transportation, such as airplanes, trains, and ships, significantly increase the speed and volume with which people and goods move across regions and international borders. This rapid movement can facilitate the spread of infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria, much more quickly than in the past.

For instance, an individual carrying an infectious disease can travel from one country to another in a matter of hours, potentially exposing populations that are not immunized or prepared for that illness. This dynamic can lead to outbreaks in new regions that may not have experienced the disease previously. Moreover, air travel and other forms of mass transit create the potential for pathogens to spread globally, rather than within localized areas, thereby amplifying their reach and impact.

This understanding aligns well with the public health challenges seen with diseases such as COVID-19, where global travel patterns contributed to the pandemic's rapid spread.