Step 1: Understand the steps in investigating an epidemic.
- The first step is confirmation of the existence of an epidemic (D).
- Then, the verification of diagnosis (B) is done to ensure that cases are indeed related to the suspected disease.
- Data analysis (C) follows, to study the patterns and causes of the epidemic.
- Finally, the formulation of a hypothesis (A) occurs, based on the data, to test the possible cause and spread of the epidemic.