Biological hazards

thumb|300px|Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, [[convention centers (pictured here) were deemed to be ideal sites for temporary hospitals, due to their existing infrastructure (electrical, water, sewage). Hotels and dormitories were also considered appropriate because they can use negative pressure technology.]]

thumb|upright=1.5|Example of an epidemic showing the number of new infections over time. An epidemic (from Greek ἐπί epi "upon or above" and δῆμος demos "people") is the rapid spread of disease to a large number of hosts in a given population within a short period of time. For example, in meningococcal infections, an attack rate in excess of 15 cases per 100,000 people for two consecutive weeks is considered an epidemic.

thumb|Locusts, such as this migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), are grasshoppers in a migratory phase of their life. thumb|Millions of swarming [[Australian plague locusts on the move]]

biological material that poses serious risks to the health of living organisms

initial patient in the population of an epidemiological investigation

solids, liquids, sharps, and laboratory waste that are potentially infectious; any kind of waste containing infectious (or potentially infectious) materials

level of the biocontainment precautions required to isolate dangerous biological agents

Biosafety is the prevention of large-scale loss of biological integrity, focusing both on ecology and human health. These prevention mechanisms include the conduction of regular reviews of biosafety in laboratory settings, as well as strict guidelines to follow. Biosafety is used to protect from harmful incidents. Many laboratories handling biohazards employ an ongoing risk management assessment and enforcement process for biosafety. Failures to follow such protocols can lead to increased risk of exposure to biohazards or pathogens. Human error and poor technique contribute to unnecessary expo

A panzootic (from Greek παν all + ζόιον animal) is an epizootic (an outbreak of an infectious disease of non-human animals) that spreads across a large region (for example a continent), or even worldwide. The equivalent in human populations is called a pandemic.

specialized type of fume hood used for biocontainment

event where a disease host disproportionally infects more secondary contacts than others infected with the same disease

biohazard sign (U+2623)

thumb|280px|right|Researchers working in Biosafety level#Biosafety level 3|Class III cabinets at the [[U.S. Army Biological Warfare Laboratories, Camp Detrick, Maryland (1940s). Biocontainment procedures were pioneered at the USBWL in the 1940s and '50s.]]

form of biomedical waste composed of "sharps" like used heroin syringes, which includes any device or object used to puncture or lacerate the skin