Final answer:
An epidemic curve, also known as an epi curve, is a graphical representation of the number of new cases of a disease over time. Point source curves involve a short exposure period, while continuous source curves involve a longer exposure period.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epidemic curve: An epidemic curve, also known as an epi curve, is a graphical representation of the number of new cases of a disease over time. It helps epidemiologists visualize and analyze the spread of a disease.
Point source curve: A point source curve represents an outbreak where all the infected individuals are exposed to the same source of infection during a short period, shorter than the incubation period. An example of a point source curve is a foodborne outbreak caused by contaminated food at a specific event.
Continuous source curve: A continuous source curve represents an outbreak where the source of infection persists for a longer time than the incubation period of the disease. An example of a continuous source curve is the spread of a waterborne disease through a contaminated water source.
The main difference between a point source curve and a continuous source curve is the duration of exposure to the source of infection. Point source curves involve a short exposure period, while continuous source curves involve a longer exposure period.