Case reports play a critical role in epidemiology for several reasons: 1. Early Warning System: They can act as an early warning system for new and emerging diseases. 2. Hypothesis Generation: Case reports can generate hypotheses that can be tested in larger, more comprehensive studies. 3. Medical Education: They are valuable educational tools for both practicing clinicians and medical students. 4. Detailed Insights: They provide detailed clinical insights that may not be captured in larger epidemiological studies.
