Which term describes a disease that is in excess of what is normally expected, differing by disease type?

• A. Epidemic
• B. Endemic
• C. Pandemic
• D. Carrier Status

Answer: (A)

This question hinges on how we describe when disease occurs more often than usual. Each disease has its own normal baseline level in a population, and when cases exceed that expected level in a defined area and time, we call it an epidemic. The idea is that there’s a rise above the usual rate, not just a regular presence. Endemic refers to a disease that is consistently present at a relatively stable level in a population. A pandemic is an epidemic that has spread across large geographic areas, often globally. Carrier status describes someone who harbors a pathogen and can transmit it without showing symptoms. So the term that fits the description of occurring in excess of what’s normally expected is epidemic.