Outbreaks

Outbreaks are occurrences of diseases that are greater than what is normally expected in a community, geographical area, or season. They can affect a small group or impact upon thousands of people across continents. An outbreak may occur in a restricted geographical area, or may extend over several countries. It may last for a few days or weeks, or for several years.

A pandemic is a type of outbreak that affects a larger geographical area and population.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Outbreaks are often caused by an infection, transmitted through person-to-person contact, animal-to-person contact, or from the environment or other media. Outbreaks may also occur following exposure to chemicals or to radioactive materials.

Types of Outbreaks[edit | edit source]

There are several different types of outbreaks, including epidemics, pandemics, and endemics.

Epidemics[edit | edit source]

An epidemic occurs when a disease affects a greater number people than is usual for the locality or one that spreads to areas not usually associated with the disease.

Pandemics[edit | edit source]

A pandemic is an epidemic of worldwide proportions. It is a global disease outbreak. Pandemics are generally classified as epidemics occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

Endemics[edit | edit source]

An endemic is a disease that exists permanently in a particular region or population.

Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]

Outbreaks can be prevented and controlled through the implementation of several interventions, including vaccination, antimicrobial therapy, drug prophylaxis, and improved sanitation.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Outbreaks Resources
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