Why does an outbreak burn itself out?

An outbreak typically burns itself out due to a combination of factors, including the depletion of susceptible hosts, increased immunity within the population, and effective public health interventions. As more individuals become infected and recover, or as vaccination efforts increase immunity, fewer people remain susceptible to the pathogen. Additionally, behavioral changes, such as reduced contact among individuals, can further limit transmission. Eventually, these dynamics lead to a decline in new infections and the natural cessation of the outbreak.