A disease outbreak occurs when there are more cases of a specific disease in a community or region than is expected. The disease can spread through direct contact with an infected person, airborne transmission when infectious droplets are carried in the air, or through a vector like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
Outbreaks can occur from a new and dangerous disease or from an old but easily treatable illness. The emergence of a novel disease or the re-emergence of an older disease is influenced by many factors including globalization, climate change, human population movement, and zoonotic spillover events from animal populations. Examples of large, recent highly pathogenic and highly transmissible diseases that have caused outbreaks include plague (Madagascar), diphtheria (Bangladesh), Ebola (West Africa), monkeypox (Africa), Zika (South and Central America), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV; Saudi Arabia and China).
Health authorities investigate a disease outbreak when it is reported to them. This involves collecting and analysing information about the people who have got sick and finding out how they were infected. This includes investigating possible sources of infection such as food, water, or contaminated fomites (inanimate objects such as countertops, doorknobs, and bedding).
Public messaging about an outbreak is important for preventing further spread of the disease. This can be through public information centres, social media, or other methods such as changing behaviours that may contribute to the outbreak. For example, messages advising travellers to avoid unpasteurized milk and to seek advice from health agencies before visiting underdeveloped countries are useful in preventing cholera outbreaks.
About the Author
