What is a disease outbreak?
A disease outbreak happens when a disease occurs in greater numbers than expected in a community or region, or during a season. An outbreak may occur in one community or even extend to several countries. It can last from days to years. Sometimes a single case of a contagious disease is considered an outbreak. This may be true if it is an unknown disease, is new to a community, or has been absent from a population for a long time. If you observe what you think might be a disease outbreak, report it right away to your health care provider or public health department. What is an epidemic? An epidemic occurs when an infectious disease spreads rapidly to many people. In 2003, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic took the lives of nearly 800 people worldwide. What is a pandemic? A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. HIV/AIDS is an example of one of the most destructive global pandemics in history. Influenza pandemics have occurred more than once. • Spanish influenza kille
