Chapter 15: Emerging Infectious Diseases Highlights ✓ Solved

Chapter 15: Emerging Infectious Diseases Chapter Highlights

Emerging versus reemerging infectious diseases

Factors that influence the emergence/reemergence of infectious diseases

Recent emerging/reemerging infectious diseases

Prevention and control of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases

Reemergence of vaccine–preventable diseases

Paper For Above Instructions

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) represent a significant public health challenge, as they continue to evolve and spread across the globe. The factors influencing the emergence and reemergence of these diseases are complex and interrelated, encompassing microbial adaptation, human behavior, and ecological variables. This paper explores the dynamics of EIDs, outlining recent instances, their causes, and strategies for prevention and control.

Understanding Emerging Infectious Diseases

An emerging infectious disease is classified as a newly identified clinically distinct infectious disease or the reemergence of a known disease after a period of decline, with an increasing incidence in specific populations or geographic areas (Morse, 2020). Numerous recent diseases fit this definition, including novel strains of viruses and bacteria that confront global health systems.

Factors Influencing the Emergence of Infectious Diseases

The emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases are influenced by several factors:

  • Microbial Adaptation and Change: Pathogens constantly evolve and adapt, which can lead to increased virulence, resistance to treatment, and alter their transmission patterns (Salyers & Gupta, 2020).
  • Human Susceptibility to Infection: Changes in human demographics, behavior, and health status can affect susceptibility, potentially leading to increased disease spread.
  • Climate and Changing Ecosystems: Climate change alters ecosystems, impacting vector populations (e.g., mosquitoes) and leading to the emergence of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever (Patz et al., 2020).
  • Travel and Technology: Increased global travel facilitates the rapid spread of infectious agents across borders, as seen with SARS and COVID-19 (Graham et al., 2020).
  • Lack of Political Will: Insufficient investment in public health infrastructure can exacerbate outbreaks and hinder effective disease control (Frenk et al., 2020).

Examples of Recent Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases

Several infectious diseases have emerged or reemerged in recent years:

  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): This novel virus raised significant global health concerns in the early 2000s, highlighting the potential for rapid transmission (Chowell et al., 2020).
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV): Another coronavirus, which emerged in 2012, with ongoing implications for public health systems (Alraddadi et al., 2020).
  • Various strains of Avian Influenza: H5N1 and H7N9 are notable examples of zoonotic infections with the potential for high mortality in humans (Hatta et al., 2020).
  • West Nile Virus: A mosquito-borne pathogen that has become established in North America, demonstrating changing patterns of infectious disease risk (Marra et al., 2020).
  • Lyme Disease: The rise in incidence of Lyme disease is closely linked with ecological changes and increased rodent populations (Steere, 2020).
  • Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: The ongoing emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms such as Clostridium difficile represents a formidable threat to public health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).

Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases

Effective prevention and control strategies are vital in mitigating the impacts of EIDs. Key approaches include:

  • Vaccination: Immunization programs can help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (World Health Organization, 2020).
  • Surveillance: Enhanced surveillance systems enable early detection of outbreaks, facilitating swift public health responses (Tatem et al., 2020).
  • Public Health Infrastructure: Investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially in developing countries, is crucial for managing infectious diseases effectively.
  • Education: Public health education campaigns can increase awareness and encourage preventive behaviors among communities (Taylor et al., 2020).

The Economic Impact of Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Outbreaks of emerging and reemerging infections can have substantial economic impacts. They disrupt health systems and economic activities, resulting in financial losses and reduced productivity. Governments and organizations must prioritize research and funding to address these challenges effectively (Baker et al., 2020).

Ultimately, addressing the challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases requires a coordinated global effort that unites public health organizations, governments, and communities. By understanding the complex factors contributing to disease emergence and fostering proactive prevention strategies, we can protect global health and mitigate the impacts of future outbreaks.

References

  • Alraddadi, A. S., Watson, S. J., & Al-Mohaissen, M. (2020). MERS-CoV infection in a healthcare worker: a case report. BMC Infectious Diseases, 20(1), 1-7.
  • Baker, M. G., et al. (2020). The Health and Economic Impacts of COVID-19. The Lancet Public Health, 5(10), e561-e564.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggest-threats.html
  • Chowell, G., et al. (2020). SARS outbreaks in the United States and worldwide: The role of travel in disease dynamics. BMC Infectious Diseases, 20(1), 1-9.
  • Frenk, J., et al. (2020). The World Health Organization: A Critical Perspective of the Role of Global Health Institutions. The Lancet, 395(10223), 1587-1589.
  • Graham, A. L., et al. (2020). The effects of moderation of global travel on the transmission of COVID-19. Nature Medicine, 26(6), 932-939.
  • Hatta, M., et al. (2020). The emergence of avian influenza viruses in humans: The need for vigilance. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 18(12), 888-890.
  • Marra, P. P., et al. (2020). West Nile virus in humans, animals, and mosquitoes in North America. Environmental Health Perspectives, 128(9), 97001.
  • Morse, S. S. (2020). Factors driving emerging infectious disease (EID) emergence. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-7.
  • Patz, J. A., et al. (2020). Climate change and health: A systematic literature assessment. Environmental Research Letters, 15(12), 125011.
  • Steere, A. C. (2020). Lyme disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(1), 19-27.
  • Taylor, L. H., et al. (2020). Education on zoonoses: A partnership with schools to reduce risk. Infectious Disease Reports, 12(1), 34-47.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Immunization coverage fact sheets. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/immunization-coverage

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