surtos

Surtos is a term used in Portuguese and Spanish to describe sudden increases or outbreaks of a phenomenon within a defined population or area. It denotes a rapid surge that exceeds normal levels but is typically temporary and bounded in time and space. The term is commonly translated into English as outbreak, surge, or burst, depending on the context.

In public health and epidemiology, a surto refers to a localized cluster of cases of a disease that rises above expected background levels in a specific location and period. Surtos are investigated to identify sources, routes of transmission, and opportunities for intervention. They are usually smaller in scope than epidemics and are managed with targeted control measures, surveillance, and communication to reduce further transmission.

In medical and psychiatric contexts, surto can describe a sudden onset of symptoms or behavior. For example, a surto psicótico denotes an abrupt episode of psychotic symptoms, often precipitated by stress or substance use and requiring urgent clinical assessment and care. The precise meaning can vary by language and discipline, so the term is best interpreted from its specific usage.