The sudden appearance of a significant number of cases of an infectious disease in a population that is usually free from that disease. Usually caused by a new strain of an existing disease or the introduction of a new pathogen into a community, epidemics can range from small local outbreaks to global pandemics.
Epidemic is usually characterized by the emergence of a new virus or new strain of an existing disease, a high transmissibility (epidemic potential), and a rapid increase in cases. It is sometimes accompanied by high mortality, which may be due to the severity of the disease or the lack of effective interventions.
A key step in preparing for an epidemic is to develop effective public communication strategies. These include disseminating accurate and science-based information, in ways that are accessible to a wide audience, through channels that people already trust. Moreover, to be effective, communication programs should include measures that allow for the monitoring of the epidemic’s growth and spread, so that health organizations and the public can respond quickly and effectively.
The first strategy is suppression [114]. It aims to reduce the reproduction number by reducing the frequency of contact between people to below a certain level, often through quarantine measures. This is only a viable option, however, if the epidemic is well under control and if it is supplemented by the development of sufficiently promising vaccines and antiviral drugs. Otherwise it will likely lead to massive disruption and death.