OE

endemic and congruous


An endemic disease is one that is constantly present, as in "malnutrition is endemic to certain impoverished regions of Africa." Option A, then, does not actually describe the world-wide flu of 1918 and must be eliminated. An epidemic (C) is a widespread outbreak of infectious disease making epidemic (C) a strong contender for correct answer. However, before selecting C, we must consider option B, pandemic. A pandemic is an epidemic that occurs throughout a large region or, as in the passage above, throughout the entire world. Clearly, option B, is the word that actually describes the flu that ravaged the entire world in 1918 and the correct answer. The fact that world leaders came together to develop a single strategy for dealing with mass infections suggests that said strategy is comprehensive and homogenous. Option D, congruous, means harmonious/homogenous and reflects the homogeneity of a single worldwide strategy for addressing pandemics. Option E, germane means relevant or appropriate, and does not reflect the singleness of purpose of a single worldwide approach. Option F, refractory, meaning difficult to manage does not fit the context of the sentence and must be eliminated, making D, congruous, the correct answer.