Which term describes a disease whose incidence has recently increased?

• A. Zoonotic
• B. Exotic
• C. Emerging
• D. Epizootic

Answer: (C)

Emerging diseases are those that are newly appearing in a population or are increasing in incidence, often spreading to new areas or affecting new host groups. This focus on a recent rise in cases is exactly what the term conveys, reflecting pathogens or disease dynamics that are changing in time. Zoonotic describes the ability to transmit from animals to humans, but it doesn’t specify a change in incidence. Exotic refers to geographic status—being not native to a region—which isn’t about how often the disease occurs. Epizootic denotes a sudden outbreak in animal populations, but the term we use for a disease that has recently increased in incidence in general is emerging.