Which term describes an unexpected large outbreak of disease in a geographic area?

The term that describes an unexpected large outbreak of disease in a specific geographic area is "epidemic." An epidemic occurs when the incidence of a disease exceeds what is normally expected within a population or geographic area. This can result from various factors such as the introduction of a new pathogen, increased susceptibility of the population, or environmental changes that facilitate transmission.

In contrast, a pandemic refers to a disease that spreads over multiple countries or continents, indicating a broader scope than an epidemic. Endemic describes a disease that is consistently present within a certain area or population, typically at a stable baseline. Hyperendemic refers to an ongoing, high level of a disease consistently occurring in a particular area but still within the scope of what is expected, rather than an unexpected spike.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "epidemic" is the correct term in this context, as it specifically emphasizes the unexpected nature and significant rise in cases within a defined area.