Counts serve as the basis for various epidemiological metrics and studies:
1. Incidence and Prevalence: By using counts, epidemiologists calculate incidence (new cases) and prevalence (existing cases) to understand the burden of disease. 2. Mortality Rates: Counts of deaths are used to determine mortality rates, which are essential for assessing the impact of diseases. 3. Outbreak Investigations: During disease outbreaks, counts are critical for identifying the initial cases and tracking the spread of the disease.
