Pandemics

Definition

• A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

Causes

• Zoonotic diseases

• Global travel and trade

• Climate change

• Antibiotic resistance

Examples

• COVID-19

• Spanish flu

• HIV/AIDS

• Ebola

• Smallpox

Prevention

• Vaccination

• Hand hygiene

• Social distancing

• Quarantine measures

• Travel restrictions

Response

• Healthcare system preparedness

• Contact tracing

• Isolation and treatment of infected individuals

• Public education and communication

Impact

• Economic disruption

• Social disruption

• Loss of life

• Healthcare system strain

• Political instability