What term describes a disease whose incidence has recently increased and poses significant health impacts?

The term that describes a disease whose incidence has recently increased and poses significant health impacts is "emerging." Emerging diseases are often new infections that have appeared in a population for the first time or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. These diseases can be driven by factors such as changes in ecological conditions, human behaviors, or the introduction of pathogens into new environments. Recognizing diseases as emerging is crucial for public health response and resource allocation, as they can present new challenges and risks to populations.

Other terms like endemic refer to diseases that are consistently present in a specific geographic area, while infectious describes diseases caused by pathogens but does not specifically indicate an increase in incidence. The term exotic pertains to diseases not native to a region but does not necessarily reflect a recent increase in incidence or health impact. Understanding these nuances is significant in public health to effectively address and manage disease outbreaks.