What is represented by an "epidemic curve"?

The correct choice indicates that an epidemic curve is a graphical representation of the number of cases of a disease over time. This type of graph is crucial in epidemiology as it helps to visualize the time progression of an outbreak, providing insights into its characteristics such as the incubation period, mode of transmission, and duration of the outbreak. By plotting the number of new cases on the y-axis against time on the x-axis, epidemiologists can identify patterns and potential sources of infection as well as the effectiveness of control measures implemented during the outbreak.

An epidemic curve often reveals important features such as peaks in cases, which can indicate the point of outbreak, the impact of interventions, and whether the epidemic is growing, plateauing, or declining. Understanding this representation is essential for public health officials to manage and respond to disease outbreaks effectively.