Infection rates refer to the frequency at which new cases of an infection occur in a specific population over a defined period. This measurement helps public health officials understand how widespread an illness is and can guide responses to outbreaks. Infection rates are often expressed as the number of cases per 1,000 or 100,000 people. Monitoring infection rates is crucial for controlling diseases like COVID-19 or influenza. By tracking these rates, health authorities can implement measures such as vaccinations, quarantines, or public health campaigns to reduce transmission and protect community health.