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What is an "epidemic"?
An epidemic is an outbreak of a disease that spreads quickly and affects a large number of people within a community, region, or population at the same time, in contrast to a pandemic, which is a global outbreak of a disease. An epidemic often involves illnesses that were previously controlled or uncommon in the area. The spread can happen through person-to-person contact, contaminated food or water, or other methods. Public health measures, such as vaccination, quarantine, and hygiene practices, are typically used to control and prevent further spread of the disease.
a sudden and widespread occurrence of a particular negative event or phenomenon, especially affecting a large number of people or things within a specific area or group
describing a disease or condition that spreads rapidly and affects a large number of people within a specific area or community during a particular period