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

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

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

Epidemics

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

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

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

Prevention and Control

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

See Also

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease
• Public Health

Outbreaks Resources
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