The "Infection Rate" refers to the frequency at which new cases of an infection occur in a specific population over a defined period. It is often expressed as the number of new infections per 1,000 or 100,000 individuals. This metric helps public health officials understand how quickly a disease, such as COVID-19 or influenza, is spreading within a community. Monitoring the infection rate is crucial for controlling outbreaks and implementing health measures. A rising infection rate may indicate the need for interventions, such as increased testing, vaccination campaigns, or public health guidelines, to protect the population and reduce transmission.