Pandemic

A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale, affecting a large number of people across multiple countries or continents. It is characterized by the sustained human-to-human transmission of an infectious agent, leading to widespread illness. Pandemics typically involve contagious diseases that can be rapidly spread through various means, including respiratory droplets, physical contact, or environmental exposure. Unlike an epidemic, which is restricted to a particular locality or region, a pandemic signifies a far-reaching impact, often resulting in significant health, social, and economic consequences. The term has been widely used in the context of infectious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the interconnectedness of global health and the importance of coordinated responses to mitigate the spread and effects of such diseases.