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When is a pandemic over?

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59,324 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Consider the following scenario: a highly infectious, sometimes deadly respiratory virus infects humans for the first time. It spreads rapidly worldwide, and the WHO declares a pandemic. The death toll starts to rise and everyone is asking the same question: when will the pandemic end? Alex Rosenthal details the three main strategies governments can use to contain and end a pandemic.

When __________ immunity kicks in, the virus can longer find new hosts and the pandemic loses strength.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Rosenthal
  • Director Mateus Moretto
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Storyboard Artist Mateus Moretto
  • Animator Mateus Moretto, Luciano do Amaral
  • Art Director Mateus Moretto, Cláudio Reston
  • Sound Designer Adam Alexander, Gavin Dodds
  • Music Adam Alexander, Gavin Dodds
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Fact-Checker Joseph Isaac
  • Science Consultant Nassim Assefi , Melvin Sanicas, Edsel Maurice T. Salvaña, David Biello, Merlin Sanicas, Alanna Shaikh
  • Special Thanks Alejandra Guzman

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