OUTBREAK

Epidemic A disease outbreak happens when a disease occurs in greater numbers than expected in a community or region. This is also called an EPIDEMIC. An epidemic can last from days to years, and can spread from one community to several countries.

Epidemic vs. Pandemic An epidemic occurs when a disease spreads rapidly to many people. When an epidemic spreads to a large number of people over a very widespread area (usually worldwide), it is then called a PANDEMIC.

Epidemic vs. Pandemic Malaria can reach epidemic levels in regions of Africa, but is not a threat globally. A strain of flu virus can begin locally (epidemic) but eventually spread globally (pandemic).

Influenza (flu) Pandemics 1918: Spanish flu kills 40-50 million people 1957: Asian flu kills 2 million 1968: Hong Kong flu kills 1 million 2009: Swine flu kills 18,000

Influenza (flu) Pandemics A flu pandemic occurs when a new subtype of the influenza virus arises. This means humans have little or no immunity to it, so everyone is at risk.

Influenza (flu) Pandemics A pandemic can occur in “waves.” All parts of the world may not be affected at the same time. However, with the speed of air travel today, experts believe a flu pandemic can spread much more quickly than before.