What is an Epidemic?

Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics, 2014

3 Pages Posted: 17 Aug 2014

Date Written: August 16, 2014

Abstract

Misuse of the word “epidemic” has become an epidemic. In this note I examine several accounts of what it means to be an epidemic, explore what I take to be the motivation for over-extending the term, and explain why I think we should use it in a more careful way.

Keywords: Epidemic, Epidemiology, Public Health, Public Goods

JEL Classification: H41

Suggested Citation

Anomaly, Jonathan, What is an Epidemic? (August 16, 2014). Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics, 2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2481747 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2481747

Jonathan Anomaly (Contact Author)

Duke University ( email )

100 Fuqua Drive
Durham, NC 27708-0204
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
158
Abstract Views
827
Rank
338,002
PlumX Metrics