Final answer:
Epidemiology is the study of the occurrence, distribution, and determinants of health and disease in a population. It helps track the spread of diseases, identify transmission modes, and develop strategies to prevent their spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epidemiology is the study of the occurrence, distribution, and determinants of health and disease in a population. It focuses on understanding the frequency and distribution of diseases within human populations and environments. Epidemiologists collect data to track the spread of diseases, identify the original mode of transmission, and design strategies, such as vaccinations and public health policies, to reduce the incidence of diseases and prevent their spread. They also conduct rapid investigations during outbreaks to recommend immediate measures to control them.