Yes, I could look it up on Wikipedia or my dictionary. But you people, my fellow board members put it so simple, in such a plain truth way:). Plus it is very a propos to what is going on now. And it might also strike up an interesting debate.
What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic?
They told us once in grade school. But I have long since forgot.
Thank you all in advance for your kindly and civil replies:).
:):):):):):)
An epidemic is local, a pandemic is widespread.
Pan = all. Demos = people.
Right. But also, epidemic is a broader category that includes “pandemic.” Epidemiologists do research, treatment, and policy guidance for any and all epidemics, including pandemics.
Epidemic = Epic
Pandemic = Panic!
Ha! Love it.
Traditionally an epidemic is when 3 of ten people have the disease
A pandemic is when 9 of ten have the disease
Endemic means it exists continually in an area at low levels (such as malaria)
Thus a disease can be epidemic to a state and pandemic to a city.
WHO uses a much, much looser diverse definition and that has caught on. And the traditional definition has not been used in a few decades, it was used when I was in university in the 90s, that I last saw.