Difference Between Endemic and Epidemic Diseases

Epidemic vs Endemic: What Sets Them Apart in Public Health?

Since 2020, people have been bombarded with technical terms such as pandemic, endemic, and epidemic. While most people know what a pandemic is, due to COVID-19, they are still confused about endemic and epidemic. Both these terms refer to how much a disease has spread.

Main Differences Between Epidemic and Endemic Disease

Let us learn the key differences between an endemic and an epidemic disease below:

What is an endemic disease?

As we know, an endemic disease is prevalent in a particular region or population. It differs from an epidemic as it does not rise suddenly or unexpectedly. Therefore, experts can predict and take preventive measures quickly to control its occurrence.

Let us understand this with an example. During the rainy season, dengue and malaria cases increase in tropical regions. Therefore, authorities publish ways to prevent its occurrence and keep a safe and hygienic environment in such areas.

What are the characteristics of endemic disease?

Let us explore the features of an endemic disease:

Geographic Limitation

This disease stays confined to a particular population or region and does not spread beyond that. However, if sudden and rapid transmission occurs, experts classify the disease as an epidemic.

Predictable

Experts can predict the timing of an endemic disease occurrence. For example, colds and flu are common during the winter season as temperatures drop.

Balance Between Host and Disease

Since this disease is prevalent, people develop resistance and live with the disease. Therefore, an equilibrium between the pathogen and host develops, making the disease part of life.

Real-Life Examples of Endemic Disease

Dengue, malaria and tuberculosis are endemic diseases in India. A combination of climatic, healthcare, and socioeconomic factors contributes to this.

What is an Epidemic Disease?

As discussed before, an epidemic disease spreads suddenly and unexpectedly. It affects a large number of people in a specific population or region. Usually, it happens when a new pathogen is introduced into the environment.

It can also happen due to any mutation of an existing pathogen. Other causes include poor sanitation and lack of immunity in the population.

What are the characteristics of epidemic disease?

Here are the main characteristics of an epidemic disease:

Shorter Time Frame

Generally, an epidemic occurs within a very short time. This could be a few weeks or months. Therefore, it has become a public health concern.

Sudden Rise in Infection
 

Epidemic cases rise suddenly, affecting a large population or region compared to usual baseline levels.

Localised Outbreak
 

An epidemic is usually contained in a specific area, such as a city or country. When it spreads outside the region, it may become a pandemic.

Real-Life Examples of Epidemic Disease

Cholera, swine flu and COVID-19 (initially) are some widely known epidemic cases around the world.

Epidemic and endemic diseases differ in their characteristics. However, they are interconnected, as they represent how a disease spreads. An endemic disease may become epidemic if cases rise suddenly.