An epidemic is a significant health-related infectious outbreak that spreads beyond normal expectations, leading to disruption of societal function, and overwhelming local healthcare capacity. Epidemics can also cause disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality impacts in LMICs. In the context of globalization, these events have the potential to evolve into pandemics.
The characterization of epidemics as disasters is a critical step toward identifying and addressing the socioeconomic impacts of outbreaks. However, the classification of epidemics as disasters requires accurate information about the outbreak characteristics. Various tools exist for monitoring and reporting outbreaks, including the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the WHO Health Emergency Dashboard, ACAPS, ProMED, and ReliefWeb. Additionally, tailored platforms such as EWARS-in-a-box, and hospital electronic medical records (EMRs) can be used for outbreak tracking and analysis. Despite these systems, gaps remain in the availability of comprehensive data on pathogen virulence and transmissibility, healthcare infrastructure resilience, and social and economic vulnerability.
Moreover, the ability to absorb external assistance is a vital aspect of an effective response to outbreaks. However, local absorptive capacity is limited and can be constrained by bureaucratic constraints, financial controls, and logistical limitations. Furthermore, in countries with weak institutions and legacies of political instability, epidemic responses can lead to tension and scapegoating. For example, during the cholera and Ebola outbreaks in Africa, conspiracy theories emerged suggesting that richer segments of society were using the outbreak as an excuse to attack poorer communities. These resentments can continue even after an epidemic has ended.