Coronavirus in Context: Vocabulary: What Is a Super-Spreader Event?

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a super-spreader event refers to a situation where a single individual or a small group of individuals unknowingly transmit the virus to an unusually large number of people. This can occur due to various factors, including factors related to the individual (e.g., high viral load), environmental factors (e.g., indoor, poorly ventilated spaces), or behavioral factors (e.g., close contact, lack of mask-wearing, singing, or shouting). Super-spreader events can significantly contribute to the spread of the virus within communities and can be particularly challenging to control. Identifying and investigating such events is crucial for implementing appropriate public health measures to mitigate their impact and prevent further transmission.