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Epidemic / “In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the

higher path - the path of compassion, courage,
understanding and love.”

Pandemic
Definition, Types/ Classification, Events, Indian
Vulnerability, Causes and Physical, Social,
Economical, Enviornmental, Housing Impact

THEERTHA | RENJITH
S8 B
MCAP
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Epidemic VS Pandemic
An epidemic is a situation where a disease affects a large A pandemic is defined as an outbreak of an infectious disease
number of individuals within a population, community, or that occurs over a wide geographical area and affects a
region at the same time significant proportion of the population, typically over several
months.
It is characterized by the rapid spread of disease to many Pandemics arise from epidemics, which are outbreaks of disease
hosts over a short period. confined to one part of the world

An epidemic may be confined to one location; however, if it Pandemics can occur in waves, where periods of high disease
spreads to other countries or continents, it may be termed a prevalence may be followed by times of decreased activity.
pandemic.
Spanish Flu of 1918

Plague in Surat 1994

 Epidemics
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A. Common-Source Epidemics B. Propagated Epidemics C. Mixed Epidemic

Common-source epidemics are A propagated epidemic is most often of Some epidemics have features of both
frequently, but not always, due to infectious origin and results from person- common-source epidemics and
exposure to an infectious agent. to-person transmission of an infectious propagated epidemics.
agent (e.g., epidemics of hepatitis A and
They can result from contamination of polio).The epidemic usually shows a
the environment (air, water, food, soil) by gradual rise and tails off over a much
industrial chemicals or pollutant. longer period of time.The speed of spread
depends upon herd immunity,
opportunities for contact and secondary
attack rate.

salmonella in ice cream 1994 cold virus spreading measles outbreak.

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Pandemics
Pathogen Type: Transmission Mode: Disease Severity:
Viral Pandemics: Caused by viruses Airborne Pandemics: Pathogens Mild Pandemics: Result in relatively low
such as influenza viruses (e.g., H1N1, spread through respiratory droplets morbidity and mortality rates, with
H5N1), coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV- when an infected person coughs, most cases being mild or moderate in
2, MERS-CoV), or other viral pathogens. sneezes, or talks (e.g., influenza, COVID- severity (e.g., mild influenza pandemics).
19).
Bacterial Pandemics: Caused by Severe Pandemics: Characterized by
bacteria, such as pandemic strains of Waterborne Pandemics: Pathogens high morbidity and mortality rates,
bacteria like Vibrio cholerae (cholera) or are transmitted through contaminated overwhelming healthcare systems, and
Yersinia pestis (plague). water sources, leading to widespread significant social and economic
outbreaks of waterborne diseases like disruption (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic).
Fungal Pandemics: Less common but cholera and typhoid fever.
can occur, caused by pathogenic fungi
that spread rapidly among populations. Vector-borne Pandemics: Pathogens
are transmitted to humans through
vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, or
fleas. Examples include malaria,
dengue fever, and Zika virus.
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Pandemics
Affected Population: Duration and Spread:
Global Pandemics: Spread across multiple countries and Sporadic Pandemics: Occur irregularly and unpredictably, with
continents, affecting populations worldwide (e.g., COVID- isolated outbreaks occurring over time (e.g., sporadic
19 pandemic). outbreaks of novel influenza strains).
Regional Pandemics: Confined to a specific region or Sustained Pandemics: Persist over an extended period, with
geographic area, with limited spread beyond that area continuous transmission and widespread impact (e.g., ongoing
(e.g., outbreaks of Ebola in West Africa). COVID-19 pandemic).
GROUP 1 PAGE 01
Pandemics / Epidemics in
India
From 1900
1915 - 1926: Encephalitis Lethargica 2006: Dengue and Chikungunya outbreak
MIXEDOutbreak
2009: Gujarat Hepatitis
1918 - 1920: Spanish Flu
1961 - 1975: Cholera pandemic 2014 - 2015: Odisha Jaundice Outbreak
2014-2015: Swine flu outbreak
1968 - 1969: Flu Pandemic
1974: Smallpox Epidemic 2017: Encephalitis outbreak
1994: Plague in Surat 2018: Nipah Virus outbreak
2002 - 2004: SARS 2019: Coronavirus

COMMON
SOURCE
 Indian vulnerability
HIGH POPULATION SOCIOECONOMIC HEALTHCARE COORBIDITIES
DENSITY FACTORS SYSTEM LIMITATION

High population density: India's massive population, Healthcare system limitations: While India has a
especially in densely populated cities, creates ideal growing healthcare system, it's still under strain. There
conditions for viruses to spread quickly. can be shortages of doctors, nurses, hospital beds, and
medical equipment, especially in rural areas.
Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, malnutrition, and
lack of access to clean water and sanitation can Comorbidities: India has a high prevalence of chronic
weaken immune systems and make people more diseases like diabetes and heart disease, which can
susceptible to illness. increase the severity of infectious illnesses.
 Causes
Microbial Factors:
Mutations in pathogens can lead to the emergence of new infectious diseases
or strains with increased virulence.
Environmental Factors:
Climate change, urbanization, and deforestation can alter ecosystems and
affect disease vectors, leading to the spread of diseases.
Globalization:
Increased travel and trade facilitate the rapid spread of diseases across
borders.
Poor Public Health Infrastructure:
Inadequate healthcare systems, lack of access to healthcare, and limited
disease surveillance and response mechanisms can exacerbate the impact of
epidemics and pandemics.
 Impact
Pandemics and epidemics are large-scale outbreaks of infectious
diseases that can have a profound impact on societies across the globe.
Their effects go far beyond physical health, creating a ripple effect that
touches every aspect of life.

Physical Health
Direct Impact: The most immediate consequence is the illness
itself. People fall sick, some critically, straining healthcare
systems. Pre-existing health conditions can worsen, and deaths
can rise significantly.
Indirect Impact: Disruptions in healthcare access can lead to
delayed treatment for non-pandemic illnesses. Preventive care
may also be neglected. Mental health issues like anxiety and
depression can increase due to stress and isolation.
Direct Impact: The Disease Strikes
Infection and Illness: This is the most immediate consequence.
People become infected with the pandemic disease, experiencing a
range of symptoms depending on the specific illness. Some cases
might be mild, but others can be severe, requiring hospitalization.
Strained Healthcare Systems: A surge in patients can overwhelm
healthcare systems, leading to shortages of beds, staff, and
essential medical supplies. This can limit access to proper care for
both pandemic and non-pandemic illnesses.
Increased Mortality Rates: Depending on the severity of the
disease, pandemics can lead to a significant rise in deaths. This is
particularly concerning for vulnerable populations like the elderly
and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Indirect Impact: A Ripple Effect on Overall Health
Disrupted Access to Care: Fear of contracting the pandemic
disease, overloaded healthcare systems, and limitations on
movement can make it difficult for people to access routine and
preventative healthcare services. This can lead to delays in diagnosis
and treatment of non-pandemic illnesses.
Preventive Care on Hold: Preventive screenings, vaccinations, and
chronic disease management may be neglected during pandemics.
This can have long-term consequences for people's health.
Mental Health Toll: The stress, isolation, and uncertainty associated
with pandemics can take a toll on mental health. Increased rates of
anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are often observed during
outbreaks.
Social Impact
Social Distancing: Measures like lockdowns and quarantines can
lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Social networks weaken,
impacting mental well-being.
Stigma: Fear and misinformation can lead to stigmatization of
infected individuals and certain groups.
Education: School closures can disrupt education, particularly for
vulnerable populations.
Social Distancing and its Ripple Effects:
Isolation and Loneliness: Lockdowns and quarantines, while
necessary to control the spread of the disease, can lead to feelings
of isolation and loneliness. This is especially true for people who live
alone, the elderly, and those who rely on social interaction for their
well-being.
Weakened Social Networks: With social distancing measures in
place, people may not be able to see friends and family as often. This
can lead to a weakening of social networks, which are crucial for
support and mental health.
Impact on Mental Well-being: The combination of isolation,
loneliness, and the stress of the pandemic can significantly impact
mental well-being. Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance
abuse can increase during pandemics.
Economic Impact
Job Losses: Lockdowns and business closures can lead to
widespread unemployment and financial strain.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Travel restrictions and lockdowns can
disrupt global supply chains, causing shortages and price hikes.
Economic Inequality: The economic fallout often disproportionately
impacts lower-income groups who may have less job security and
fewer resources.

Job Losses and Financial Strain

Lockdowns and Closures: When businesses are forced to close or
significantly reduce operations due to lockdowns, it leads to job
losses across various sectors. This can have a domino effect,
impacting other businesses that rely on those customers or
suppliers.
Financial Strain: Widespread unemployment can cause significant
financial strain for individuals and families. People may struggle to
pay rent, mortgages, bills, and afford basic necessities.
Government Intervention: To mitigate job losses and financial
hardship, governments may implement stimulus packages,
unemployment benefits, and other forms of financial assistance.
Supply Chain Disruptions: A Tangled Web
Travel Restrictions: Restrictions on movement of people and goods
can disrupt global supply chains. This can lead to shortages of
essential items like food, medicine, and raw materials.
Price Hikes: When there are shortages of goods, basic economic
principles come into play. Prices tend to rise due to increased
demand and limited supply. This can put a strain on household
budgets, particularly for low-income families.
Shifting Production: Pandemics can also lead to a shift in production
patterns as countries try to become more self-sufficient in essential
goods. This can have long-term consequences for global trade and
economic integration.

Economic Inequality: The Widening Gap

Vulnerable Workers Most Affected: Low-wage workers in service
industries like tourism, hospitality, and retail are often the first to be
laid off during pandemics. These jobs may also be less likely to offer
benefits or have remote work options.
Safety Net Matters: The economic fallout of pandemics can
exacerbate existing inequalities. People with limited savings or
access to social safety nets are more likely to fall into poverty during
economic downturns.
Long-Term Impact: The economic consequences of pandemics can
have a long-term impact, particularly for those who lose jobs or
businesses. It can take years for people to recover financially and for
economies to bounce back.
The Other Side of the Coin: Increased Pandemic Waste
Medical Waste Surge: Pandemics generate a significant amount of
medical waste, including disposable masks, gloves, gowns, and
testing kits. This can overwhelm waste management systems,
especially in areas with limited resources.
Improper Disposal Risks: If medical waste is not properly disposed
of, it can end up in landfills, pollute waterways, or harm wildlife.
Additionally, there's a risk of increased plastic pollution if people
resort to more single-use items due to hygiene concerns.
Housing
Evictions: Job losses and economic hardship can make it difficult for
people to pay rent or mortgage, leading to an increase in evictions
and homelessness.
Overcrowding: If people lose their homes or are forced to double up
with others due to financial constraints, overcrowding can become a
problem, potentially worsening the spread of the disease.

Evictions on the Rise: A Housing Crisis Deepens

Financial Strain and Rent Delinquency: Job losses and economic
hardship during pandemics make it difficult for many people to pay
rent or mortgage. This can lead to rent delinquency and an increase
in eviction filings.
Strained Social Safety Nets: Existing social safety nets, such as
unemployment benefits or rental assistance programs, may not be
sufficient to prevent evictions during a widespread economic
downturn.
Long-Term Housing Instability: Evictions can have a devastating
impact on individuals and families. It can be difficult to find new
housing, especially in tight rental markets, and people may end up in
temporary shelters or become homeless.
Overcrowding: A Double Whammy for Public Health
Doubled Up Due to Financial Strain: When people lose their homes
due to eviction or can't afford their own place, they may be forced to
double up with family or friends. This overcrowding can create
unhealthy living conditions.
Increased Risk of Disease Transmission: Overcrowded living
quarters make it difficult to maintain physical distancing and proper
hygiene, potentially facilitating the spread of the disease. This can
worsen the pandemic's impact on public health.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations: Overcrowding
disproportionately affects low-income families and marginalized
communities. These groups may already be living in cramped
conditions and have limited resources to find alternative housing.