Outbreaks Vs. Epidemics - That Is The Difference?

Outbreaks Vs. Epidemics - That Is The Difference?

You may be asking yourself "what is the difference between an outbreak and an epidemic?".

Here's what we found out.

An outbreak of a disease is a sudden occurrence of the disease greater than would otherwise be expected in a particular time and place.

An epidemic is a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease whereby many people are infected at the same time

Although the term outbreak and epidemic is sometimes used interchangeably, an outbreak is a smaller, more localized epidemic.

The major difference between an outbreak and an epidemic is the percentage of overall deaths caused by the disease

The CDC's online glossary states that "outbreak" and "epidemic" can actually be used interchangeably but the use of the word "outbreak" is often preferable simply because it's a less frightening term.

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