Answer 2 for PUB 540 Define endemic, epidemic, and pandemic, and provide an example of each
As described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an epidemic is an unanticipated rise and increase in disease case rates within a specified geographical area. In most cases, epidemics do not have to be contagious, for example, polio (CDC, 2022). On the other hand, a pandemic, as identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to the exponential growth of disease through elevated rates of spread within days. In such a case, the WHO declares a pandemic and institutes preventable measures. Among the prime examples of pandemics include COVID-19. Further, an endemic relates to the instance where the outbreak of a disease is present consistently but limited within a particular region (CDC, 2022). For example, in the case of malaria, it may increase spontaneously in certain regions without necessarily being contagious.
Notably, a current epidemic affecting global health is the Rift Valley Fever affecting many regions across sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The disease is caused by the Rift Valley Fever virus, which normally arises from domesticated animals like camels, sheep, and goats (CDC, 2022). As an emerging mosquito-borne zoonotic viral infection, it has presented significant threats to global public health at large.
Prevention measures for RVF are essential to limit its occurrence and growth rate. Primary preventive measures include sustained programs on animal vaccination due to the inexistence of an acceptable vaccination for humans. Secondary treatment approaches include avoiding contact with animal blood, fluids, or tissues infected with the RVF zoonotic virus (World Health Organization, 2018). Also, wearing protective equipment for people working with animals in RVF-stricken areas is encouraged by the WHO. Also, avoiding unsafe animal products like milk and meat during such an epidemic is further advised. At the same time, tertiary prevention means for RVF focus on decreasing the severity of the disease through thoroughly cooking animal products before consuming and avoiding outdoor activities during peak times when vector species bite.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. (2022). Rift Valley Fever (RVF). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/rvf/about.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. (2022). Section 11: Epidemic Disease Occurrence. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson1/section11.html.
World Health Organization. (2018). Rift Valley Fever. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rift-valley-fever.
