Pandemic

Definition

A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale, affecting large populations across multiple countries or continents. It typically involves a new infectious agent to which the population has little or no immunity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pandemics can result from viral, bacterial, or other pathogenic infections with high transmission rates.
2. Historical examples include the 1918 Spanish flu and the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2019.
3. The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to pandemics.
4. Pandemics often strain healthcare systems and require coordinated public health interventions like vaccination and quarantine measures.
5. They can have significant socio-economic impacts, including disruptions to travel, trade, and daily life.

Review Questions

• What are some characteristics that distinguish a pandemic from an epidemic?
• How do global health organizations like WHO manage and respond to pandemics?
• Can you name two historical pandemics and their causative agents?

Related terms

Epidemic:

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

Endemic:

A disease or condition regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.

Pathogen:

An organism that causes disease, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.