You are here Home Glossary of technical terms Glossary of technical terms epidemic Listen Print Share Twitter Facebook Email The spread of an infection in a community at a faster rate than is normally expected. Measles and influenza viruses are common causes of epidemics in Australia. Small epidemics are often called outbreaks. Page history Last updated 11 June 2018 Last reviewed 11 June 2018 Is there anything wrong with this page? Help us improve the Australian Immunisation Handbook What you were doing? (required) What went wrong? (required) Leave this field blank