Epidemia

The map shows the predicted cholera risk based on analysis and satellite data in Yemen, June 2017. Blue color indicates low risk of cholera while red color indicates high risk of cholera. Image: West Virginia University/Antar Jutla.

Definition

An epidemic is generally defined as the occurrence in a community or region of cases of an illness, specific health-related behaviour, or other health-related events clearly in excess of normal expectancy. The community or region and the period in which the cases occur are specified precisely. The number of cases indicating the presence of an epidemic varies according to the agent, size, and type of population exposed, previous experience or lack of exposure to the disease, and time and place of occurrence (WHO).

Facts and figures

Epidemics occur when an agent and susceptible hosts are present in adequate numbers, and the agent can be effectively conveyed from a source to the susceptible hosts. More specifically, an epidemic may result from:

A recent increase in amount or virulence of the agent
The recent introduction of the agent into a setting where it has not been before
An enhanced mode of transmission so that more susceptible persons are exposed
A change in the susceptibility of the host response to the agent, and/or
Factors that increase host exposure or involve introduction through new portals of entry (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Epidemics may be the consequence of disasters of another kind, such as tropical storms, floods, earthquakes, droughts, etc. Epidemics may also attack animals, causing local economic disasters (IFRC).

Accordingly to WHO’s classification, these are the major pandemic and epidemic diseases:

Further information

WHO - Managing epidemics

UNDRR - Biological Hazards Risk Assessment

UN-SPIDER Regional Support Offices with hazard-specific expertise

Title: Oficina de Apoyo Regional de los Estados Unidos de América

Title: Oficina Regional de Apoyo Argentina

Title: Oficina Regional de Apoyo de Alemania

Title: Oficina Regional de Apoyo de Grecia

Title: Oficina Regional de Apoyo de Indonesia

Title: Oficina Regional de Apoyo de Rumanía

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Oficina Regional de Apoyo de Rumanía
La Oficina Regional de Apoyo (RSO) de ONU-SPIDER en Rumanía tiene su sede en la Agencia Espacial Rumana (ROSA). El acuerdo de cooperación entre ROSA y UNOOSA se firmó con ocasión de la 52ª COPUOS, el 4 de Junio de 2009.

Establecida en 1991, por la Decisión Gubernamental nº 923/ 20 Nov 1995, ROSA es una institución pública independiente.

La misión de la Agencia incluye:

coordinar los programas nacionales de investigación y aplicaciones espaciales

promover el desarrollo espacial

representar al Gobierno en la cooperación espacial internacional

desarrollar investigaciones específicas orientadas a proyectos

ROSA está autorizada a establecer centros de investigación y desarrollo orientados a objetivos específicos del Programa Espacial Rumano.

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