noun a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time
adjective relating to or of the nature of an epidemic
In the field of medicine, an epidemic refers to the rapid spread of a disease to a large number of people within a specific population or region.
In public health, an epidemic is a situation where a disease spreads rapidly and extensively, affecting a significant portion of the population.
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and epidemics play a crucial role in this field.
In the context of global health, epidemics pose significant challenges in terms of prevention, control, and management on a worldwide scale.
Writers may use the term 'epidemic' when discussing the prevalence of a particular social issue or trend in their writing, such as an epidemic of violence in a certain area.
Psychologists may use the term 'epidemic' when referring to the widespread occurrence of a particular mental health disorder or issue, such as an epidemic of anxiety disorders among young adults.
Public health officials may use the term 'epidemic' when describing the rapid spread of a disease or condition within a specific population, such as an epidemic of influenza in a community.
Epidemiologists specifically study the patterns and causes of diseases in populations, so they frequently use the term 'epidemic' when discussing outbreaks of infectious diseases or other health-related issues.
Medical doctors may use the term 'epidemic' when referring to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a particular disease or condition, such as an epidemic of opioid overdoses in a certain region.