What characterizes an epidemic?

An epidemic is characterized by a sudden outbreak of disease that occurs within a specific geographical area, resulting in a significant increase in the number of cases compared to what is normally expected for that region and time. This can be due to various factors, such as a new strain of a pathogen, changes in population immunity, or environmental factors that facilitate the spread of the disease.

The understanding of what constitutes an epidemic helps public health officials initiate timely interventions to control the outbreak and prevent further cases. A clear distinction is made between endemic conditions—consistent low-level occurrences of diseases over time—and epidemics, which are marked by a rapid escalation in case numbers.