What is endemic disease?

• A. A disease that is constantly present in a population or region.
• B. A disease that spreads quickly across borders.
• C. A disease with a high fatality rate always.
• D. A disease that only occurs in imported cases.

Answer: (A)

Endemic disease means a disease is constantly present in a population or region at a relatively stable baseline level. Transmission continues locally, so new cases occur regularly over time, even if there are seasonal or yearly fluctuations. This is different from an epidemic or pandemic, where cases surge beyond the normal level and spread widely. It isn’t defined by a high fatality rate, and it isn’t limited to imported cases—the hallmark is persistent local presence.