Epidemic

An outbreak of a disease that spreads rapidly and affects a large number of people within a community, population, or region.

 

Pathogen

A microorganism, such as a virus or a bacterium, that can cause disease in a host organism.

 

Transmission

The process by which a pathogen spreads from one host to another, often through direct contact, airborne particles, or contaminated surfaces.

 

Incubation Period

The time interval between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms of the disease it causes.

 

Vector

An organism, typically an insect or animal, that transmits a pathogen from one host to another, facilitating the spread of disease.

 

Quarantine

The isolation of individuals who have been exposed to a contagious disease, to prevent further spread of the illness.

 

Herd Immunity

The resistance to the spread of a contagious disease within a population, achieved when a significant proportion of individuals are immune to the disease, either through vaccination or previous infection.

 

Contact Tracing

The process of identifying and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to a contagious disease, to prevent further transmission.

 

Pandemic

An epidemic that has spread over multiple countries or continents, affecting a significant portion of the global population.

 

Public Health Emergency

A situation in which the health of a population is at risk due to the emergence or spread of a disease, requiring coordinated efforts to control and mitigate its impact on society.