The number of new and old cases of a disease in a population during a specified time, regardless of when it first appeared. This measure indicates the seriousness of the disease and is referred to as the

Prevalence rate

Explanation:

In epidemiology, the seriousness of a disease can be measured by the prevalence rate.

Prevalence rate refers to the number of new and old cases of disease in a population during a specified time regardless of when it first appeared.

It should not be confused by incidence rate. Incidence rate refers to the frequency of the number of new cases of a disease in a population at a specified time.

Prevalence rate shows or indicates how widespread the disease is whereas incidence will tell about the risk of contracting the disease.

answer; beware of exaggerated claims without supporting evidence;