Epidemic

The sudden increase in infectious diseases in a certain geographical area can have a negative impact on individuals and communities alike. Whilst epidemics are not limited to just the human population, animal epidemics are generally planned for and responded to as a biosecurity incursion.

Human epidemics tend to pose a greater risk to the older population, the very young, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Viral respiratory diseases, such as those caused by a new influenza virus or the coronavirus COVID-19, are the most likely to turn into a pandemic and spread across multiple continents or even worldwide.