What is the study of the occurrence, distribution, and control of infectious diseases called?

The study of the occurrence, distribution, and control of infectious diseases is known as epidemiology. This field focuses on understanding how diseases spread, who is affected, and the factors influencing health and illness in populations. Epidemiologists gather data to track disease outbreaks, investigate the causes of diseases, and develop strategies to prevent and control these public health issues.

This discipline is critical in managing public health responses, including vaccination campaigns and health education efforts aimed at reducing disease transmission. It encompasses a range of methods, including statistical analysis and field studies, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics within communities.

Other fields, such as microbiology, focus more broadly on microorganisms and their properties, virology specifically targets viruses and their effects, while pathology examines the nature and causes of diseases, particularly through laboratory analysis of tissues and fluids. Thus, while these disciplines are interconnected, they do not specifically address the patterns and controls of infectious diseases in populations the way epidemiology does.