BIOHAZARD

Avian Influenza (or bird flu):

A type of influenza virulent in birds that exists worldwide.

Epidemic:

An outbreak of a disease that spreads more quickly and more extensively among a group of people than would normally be expected.

Influenza (or the flu):

A contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads rapidly in seasonal epidemics. Three influenza pandemics in the 20th century killed many millions of people.

Pandemic:

An outbreak of an infectious disease that affects people or animals over an extensive geographical area.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS):

A form of pneumonia that first appeared in China. SARS has a mortality rate of around 10%.

Vaccination:

An inoculation with a vaccine to produce immunity.