An epidemic typically follows several stages: 1. Introduction: The pathogen is introduced into a susceptible population. 2. Establishment: The pathogen starts to spread within the population. 3. Acceleration: The number of cases rapidly increases. 4. Peak: The epidemic reaches its maximum number of cases. 5. Deceleration: The number of new cases begins to decline. 6. Resolution: The epidemic comes to an end, either through herd immunity, intervention measures, or natural depletion of susceptibles.
