Outbreak

Pronunciation
/OUT-brake/
Category
Epidemiology
Singular
Outbreak
Plural
Outbreaks

Definition

A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease or pest infestation, often characterized by a rapid spread.

Etymology

From Middle English 'outen' (to go out) and 'breken' (to break), meaning to break out.

Example

The sudden outbreak of avian influenza in 2003 highlighted the importance of effective disease surveillance.

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