How is an epidemic different from a pandemic?

An epidemic is defined as a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease within a specific geographic area or population group. This can occur when a new strain of a virus emerges or when there is a spike in cases of an already existing disease due to factors such as changes in environmental conditions or population immunity.

In contrast, a pandemic extends beyond these localized confines. It is characterized by the widespread occurrence of a disease that affects multiple countries or continents, indicating a much broader impact on public health. When a disease is termed a pandemic, it suggests that it has the ability to spread easily between individuals and poses a significant threat on a global scale.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in public health, as the response strategies to an epidemic can differ significantly from those required for a pandemic. For instance, local containment measures might be sufficient for an epidemic, while a pandemic requires international collaboration and more extensive public health interventions.