What is the term for a disease that is constantly present in a geographic area?

The term “endemic” refers to a disease that is consistently present within a particular geographic area or population. This means that the disease's prevalence is stable and predictable, often occurring at a baseline level in that region. For example, malaria is considered endemic in certain parts of Africa, where the disease occurs regularly and is part of the population's health landscape.

Understanding the concept of endemicity is crucial when studying infectious diseases, as it helps public health officials monitor and address local health issues effectively. In contrast, terms like epidemic, pandemic, and hyperendemic describe different patterns of disease incidence, either indicating spikes in cases or widespread occurrences across global populations.