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A pandemic ( / pænˈdɛmɪk / pan-DEM-ik) is an epidemic of an infectious disease that has a sudden increase in cases and spreads across a large region, for instance multiple continents or worldwide, affecting a substantial number of individuals.
The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 , began with an outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It spread to other areas of Asia, and then worldwide in early 2020.
Jul 15, 2024 · Learn what a pandemic is, how it differs from an epidemic, and what causes and ends a pandemic. Explore the history and examples of some of the world's deadliest pandemics, such as the Black Death and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Kara Rogers
- A pandemic is an outbreak of infectious disease that occurs over a wide geographical area and that is of high prevalence. A pandemic generally affe...
- Throughout history, there have been many deadly pandemics, but the Black Death and the influenza pandemic of 1918–19 rank among the most lethal. Th...
- Pandemics can be caused by several factors. For example, in some cases, a new strain or subtype of virus that first emerged in animals jumps to hum...
- Pandemics typically slow and come to an end on their own, though the process may be accelerated through effective preventive strategies, such as im...
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.
The World Health Organization provides global leadership and coordination of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected millions of people and caused millions of deaths. Find the latest data, advice, guidance, research, and media resources on the disease and its impact.
Nov 6, 2023 · A pandemic is a fast-moving and widespread outbreak of infection that affects many people and countries. Learn about the causes, impact, and history of pandemics, and how to prepare for the next one.
Explore our data on COVID-19 testing to see how confirmed cases compare to actual infections. See data on how many people are being hospitalized for COVID-19. See how government policy responses – on travel, testing, vaccinations, face coverings, and more – vary across the world.