epidemiological surveillance

Epidemiological surveillance is the systematic process of monitoring and collecting data on health-related events, such as diseases or outbreaks, within a population. It helps public health authorities detect patterns, track how illnesses spread, and assess the effectiveness of interventions. This ongoing attention allows for timely responses to emerging health threats, guiding policies and resource allocation to protect community health. Essentially, it’s like a health “watchdog” that keeps track of disease trends so that measures can be taken early to prevent or control widespread health issues.