Imagine being able to follow the journey of a virus as it moves, changes, and spreads through a community. This is the work of epidemiology—a field that provides crucial information that helps healthcare workers and governments respond effectively to pathogen outbreaks. Traditional approaches in epidemiology include methods like contact tracing, surveys, and statistical modelling. While these methods are effective, they can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, creating the risk of delays or overlooking important details.