Epidemiological surveillance is the continuous, systematic collection and analysis of health data to monitor the spread of diseases within populations. This process helps identify outbreaks, track disease trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions. By gathering information on factors such as infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and risk behaviors, health authorities can make informed decisions to protect community health. The data collected through epidemiological surveillance can come from various sources, including hospitals, laboratories, and public health reports. This information is crucial for developing strategies to prevent disease transmission and improve overall health outcomes in communities.