Pandemic

A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area, affecting a large number of people. It typically crosses international borders and can affect populations globally. Pandemics often involve infectious diseases that can spread easily from person to person, leading to significant public health challenges. The term is most commonly used in the context of diseases that have emerged or re-emerged, causing widespread illness and potential fatalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) designates a pandemic when an outbreak becomes widespread and is sustained in multiple countries and continents. Examples of pandemics include the 1918 influenza pandemic, the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, and the COVID-19 pandemic that began in late 2019. The characteristics of a pandemic include high transmissibility, the severity of the disease, and its impact on society and healthcare systems.