Epidemic Curve
The graphic representation of new cases originating because of the rapid transmission
of a disease in an area during an interval of time is called an epidemic curve, or epicurve.
Assimilating data to produce this graphic is time consuming on the part of epidemiologists.
When retrospectively analyzed, the curve provides valuable information.
For example, the incubation period of a disease can be calculated if the time of exposure
is approximately known. The planning of responses to epidemics depends on the
magnitude of the situation and may be associated with the number of cases that can be
tracked on the graph. Looking at the pattern of the curve, one may be able to determine
whether individuals were exposed to the source at one time or continuously