High security is crucial in epidemiology for several reasons: - Preventing Outbreaks: Stringent security measures help prevent accidental releases of dangerous pathogens that could lead to outbreaks. - Protecting Public Health: By containing infectious agents within high-security labs, the risk to the general public is minimized. - Data Protection: Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of epidemiological data is essential for accurate disease tracking and response. - Research Integrity: High security ensures that research on infectious agents is conducted safely, which is vital for developing effective treatments and vaccines.