What term describes a disease whose incidence has recently increased and may significantly impact health?

The correct term for a disease whose incidence has recently increased and may significantly impact health is an emerging disease. Emerging diseases are those that have newly appeared in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. This can be due to several factors, such as changes in human behavior, environmental changes, and the evolution of pathogens.

Emerging diseases can pose significant health threats not only due to their increased incidence but also because they often occur in populations that may not have previously been exposed to them, leading to a higher potential for outbreaks. Examples of emerging diseases can include new strains of viruses or bacteria that have been identified and have begun to spread in human populations.

In contrast, chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that persist over time and do not typically involve a recent spike in incidence. Re-emerging diseases refer to diseases that were previously under control but are now showing an increase in incidence, often due to factors such as antibiotic resistance or reduced vaccination rates. Endemic diseases are those that maintain a consistent presence in a particular geographic area or population without demonstrating a significant increase in incidence.