epidemic

An epidemic is when a disease spreads rapidly and affects many people in a specific area or population over a short period. This can occur due to various factors, including infectious agents like viruses or bacteria and environmental conditions. Unlike a pandemic, which affects multiple countries or continents, an epidemic is usually contained within a local or regional context. Public health measures, such as vaccination and sanitation, are often implemented to control the outbreak and protect the community. Understanding the dynamics of epidemics helps in managing and preventing future outbreaks effectively.