endemic disease

References

endemic disease

pathology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

Endemic diseases are those that are consistently present at a predictable level within a specific region or population. Unlike epidemics, which are rapid outbreaks, or pandemics, which spread internationally, endemic diseases maintain a steady presence. For example, malaria is considered endemic to tropical and subtropical regions.12

Pathology is the medical field dedicated to understanding disease. It involves identifying the causes of illness, the mechanisms by which diseases develop, and the resulting structural and functional changes in the body. Pathologists often work in laboratories, examining tissues and fluids, and may also perform autopsies to determine the cause of death.345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

11 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

disease
Epidemiology
…it is considered to be endemic in that area. When the prevalence of disease is subject to wide fluctuations in time, it is considered to be epidemic during periods of high prevalence. Epidemics prevailing over wide geographic areas are called pandemics.
Read More
…it is considered to be endemic in that area. When the prevalence of disease is subject to wide fluctuations in time, it is considered to be epidemic during periods of high prevalence. Epidemics prevailing over wide geographic areas are called pandemics.
Read More

syphilis
Course of the disease
…around the world; bejel, or endemic syphilis (T. endemicum), found mainly in the Middle East and Saharan region; and pinta (T. carateum), most common in the Caribbean and Central and South America. These infections are passed by direct contact, usually among children and young adults. They cause early skin and…
Read More
…around the world; bejel, or endemic syphilis (T. endemicum), found mainly in the Middle East and Saharan region; and pinta (T. carateum), most common in the Caribbean and Central and South America. These infections are passed by direct contact, usually among children and young adults. They cause early skin and…
Read More

typhus
Other forms of typhus
Endemic, or murine, typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, has as its principal reservoir of infection the Norway rat; occasionally, the common house mouse and other species of small rodents have also been found to be infected. The rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis is the
Read More
Endemic, or murine, typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, has as its principal reservoir of infection the Norway rat; occasionally, the common house mouse and other species of small rodents have also been found to be infected. The rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis is the
Read More

World Health Organization
…the control of epidemic and endemic disease by promoting mass campaigns involving nationwide vaccination programs, instruction in the use of antibiotics and insecticides, the improvement of laboratory and clinical facilities for early diagnosis and prevention, assistance in providing pure-water supplies and sanitation systems, and health education for people living in…
Read More
…the control of epidemic and endemic disease by promoting mass campaigns involving nationwide vaccination programs, instruction in the use of antibiotics and insecticides, the improvement of laboratory and clinical facilities for early diagnosis and prevention, assistance in providing pure-water supplies and sanitation systems, and health education for people living in…
Read More