👉 The curve of infection, often referred to as the epidemic curve, is a graphical representation that illustrates the progression of a disease over time within a population. Typically, it starts with a sharp increase in cases at the beginning of an outbreak, reflecting the initial introduction and rapid spread of the pathogen. This peak represents the point where the number of new infections is highest, indicating the maximum rate of transmission. As the disease spreads, the curve begins to level off, showing a decrease in new cases as immunity develops or interventions like quarantine and vaccination reduce the number of susceptible individuals. The shape and timing of this curve provide crucial insights into the dynamics of an epidemic, helping public health officials understand the effectiveness of control measures and predict future trends.
