Endemic disease

Definition

An endemic disease is a disease that is consistently present within a specific geographic area or population group. It exhibits predictable patterns and does not require external factors to maintain its presence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Endemic diseases have a stable incidence rate within the affected area or population.
2. Malaria in certain parts of Africa is an example of an endemic disease.
3. Public health strategies for endemic diseases often focus on control rather than eradication.
4. Endemic diseases can become epidemic or pandemic if conditions change, such as with increased transmission or decreased immunity.
5. Epidemiologists study the patterns and causes of endemic diseases to develop effective interventions.

Review Questions

Related terms

Epidemic:

A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area.

Pandemic:

An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale, affecting multiple countries and continents.

Incidence Rate: The number of new cases of a disease occurring in a specific period per unit of population.