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 rapid and widespread transmission of an infectious agent, such as a virus or bacterium, among populations. Unlike an epidemic, which is localized to a particular area, a pandemic signifies a more extensive prevalence, often resulting in significant health, social, and economic impacts. The term is commonly used in the context of infectious diseases that can be transmitted from person to person. The declaration of a pandemic typically involves criteria set by health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), based on the geographic spread of the disease, its severity, and its impact on society.