In early spring 2009, the CDC reported several dozen cases of novel H1N1 influenza ("swine flu") in the United States. By the summer, the number of confirmed cases was reported as over 40,000. The pattern of novel H1N1 cases in the United States represents a(n) ________ disease.

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An epidemic is when an infectious disease spreads rapidly to many people. The significant increase from dozens to over 40,000 cases of H1N1 in a relatively short period fits the definition of an epidemic.

In Early Spring 2009, the CDC Reported Several Dozen Cases