Following a disaster, conditions such as poor sanitation, contaminated water sources, and crowded shelters can create an environment ripe for the spread of infectious diseases. Epidemiological surveillance involves a systematic and ongoing collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data. This process is crucial to:
Detect early signs of an epidemic.
Identify the source and transmission patterns of a disease.
Implement rapid control measures, such as vaccination campaigns or isolation of affected individuals, to prevent the outbreak from spreading further.
By proactively monitoring the health of the affected population, authorities can prevent a secondary disaster in the form of a public health crisis.
