What is a Pandemic?

Pandemic (pa‘dem‘k) is a global disease outbreak that affects a significant portion of the population. This includes both the number of people who become ill and the number who die. The World Health Organization defines a pandemic as a period of more than one month when the number of new infections and deaths exceeds those in normal times.

A virus that has spread to a wider geographic range than usual, and affects more people at the same time, is called a pandemic. This is what happened with the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 was first reported in Washington, and the epidemic rapidly expanded to more states. But the rate of cases varied widely by state.

Several trends have increased the likelihood of pandemics in recent decades: population growth, urbanization, increasing interactions at the human-animal interface, global travel and trade, climate change, and habitat loss (Tyler 2016). These factors also reduce public health systems’ response capability.

The economic impact of a pandemic can be severe. Workers may stay home to avoid public spaces, and businesses might limit staffing levels. This reduces demand for goods and services, leading to a reduction in economic activity. The aversion to travel, restaurants, and public space can also lead to decreased energy use.

The risk of a future pandemic can be reduced by strengthening local science, education and infrastructure, as well as guaranteeing equitable access to technology related to prevention and control. This can be accomplished by treating research and innovation as a global public good, promoting regional production, and supporting community-led, multisectoral responses to pandemic threats.