The course of an epidemic typically follows several phases: 1. Introduction: The pathogen is introduced into a susceptible population. 2. Growth: The number of cases starts to rise as the disease spreads. 3. Peak: The epidemic reaches its maximum number of cases. 4. Decline: The number of new cases begins to decrease as interventions take effect or herd immunity is reached. 5. Resolution: The epidemic ends, and the disease incidence returns to baseline levels.
