Surveillance and Detection of Outbreaks

Surveillance and detection of outbreaks involve systematic monitoring of health data to identify unusual patterns of illness in a population. This process includes tracking disease reports, hospital visits, and laboratory results to quickly notice when an outbreak, like a flu or foodborne illness, occurs. By recognizing these trends early, health authorities can take action to control the spread, inform the public, and provide necessary resources. The goal is to protect public health by responding efficiently to emerging health threats.