outbreak

An eruption; the sudden appearance of a rash, disease, etc.

Any epidemic outbreak causes understandable panic.

A sudden increase.

There has been an outbreak of vandalism at the school.

One such investigation described how kindness can be contagious. It was sparked by reports of an outbreak of kindness on a cold December morning in 2012.

An outburst or sudden eruption, especially of violence and mischief.

There has been an outbreak of broken windows in the street.

Synonym of breakout (“escape from prison”).

To burst out or break forth.