👉 The term "new infection" refers to the occurrence of a previously unknown or emerging pathogen causing illness in a population. Unlike common infections, which are well-documented and often have established treatment protocols, new infections pose significant challenges due to limited understanding of the pathogen's behavior, transmission methods, and potential health impacts. This can lead to difficulties in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. New infections may arise from various sources, including novel viruses, bacteria, fungi, or even entirely new types of parasites or prions. The emergence of new infections is often driven by factors such as genetic mutations, environmental changes, increased global travel, and human-animal interactions, highlighting the importance of robust surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms to mitigate their spread and impact.