The flu became an epidemic in the city last winter.

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
The disease spread like an epidemic.
An epidemic threatened the small town.
We must stop this epidemic now.
widespread epidemic
prevent an epidemic
fight the epidemic
outbreak
plague
contagion
The doctor warned about the epidemic spread of the flu.

Relating to a disease that affects a large number of individuals within a population or community at the same time.
An epidemic of colds swept the school.
The epidemic outbreak was contained quickly.
We fear an epidemic of misinformation.
epidemic disease
epidemic outbreak
epidemic spread
rife
prevalent
rampant