2. Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) refer to infectious diseases that have
recently appeared within a population or have existed but are rapidly
increasing in incidence or geographic range. Several factors contribute to the
emergence of these diseases, and understanding the "who, what, where,
when, and why" can help in managing and preventing their spread.
Emerging infectious diseases are a major threat to health: AIDS, SARS,
drug-resistant bacteria and Ebola virus are among the more recent
examples. By identifying emerging disease 'hotspots', the thinking goes,
it should be possible to spot health risks at an early stage and prepare
containment strategies. An analysis of over 300 examples of disease
emerging between 1940 and 2004 suggests that these hotspots can be
accurately mapped based on socio-economic, environmental and
ecological factors.
Introduction
3. Who?
•Humans and Animals: Many emerging infectious diseases
originate in animals, particularly wildlife, before jumping to humans.
This transmission can occur through direct contact, consumption of
animal products, or insect vectors.
•Global Population: Increased global travel and trade facilitate the
spread of diseases across borders, making it easier for pathogens to
reach new populations.
4. What?
•Pathogens: Emerging infectious diseases are caused by various
pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Examples include Zika virus, Ebola virus, and antibiotic-resistant
bacteria.
•Genetic Mutations: Pathogens can undergo genetic mutations,
enabling them to adapt to new environments or hosts.
5. Where?
•Global Distribution: EIDs can emerge anywhere in
the world, but some regions are more prone due to
factors such as climate, population density, and
ecological conditions.
•Wildlife: Many EIDs have origins in wildlife,
especially in regions with diverse ecosystems.
6. When?
•Environmental Changes: Changes in climate, land use, and
ecosystems can influence the prevalence and distribution of infectious
diseases.
•Antimicrobial Resistance: The misuse of antibiotics and other
antimicrobial agents accelerates the development of drug-resistant
strains, contributing to the emergence of new diseases.
7. Why?
•Zoonotic Transmission: Diseases that jump from animals to
humans (zoonoses) are a common source of emerging infections.
•Human Behavior: Factors such as increased international travel,
urbanization, and changes in agricultural practices can influence
the transmission of diseases.
•Globalization: The interconnectedness of the world allows
pathogens to spread rapidly, making it challenging to contain
emerging infectious diseases.
8. Number of EID events per decade. EID events (defined as the temporal origin of an EID,
represented by the original case or cluster of cases that represents a disease emerging in the
human population—see Methods) are plotted with respect to a, pathogen type, b, transmission
type, c, drug resistance and d, transmission mode (see keys for details).
9. Efforts to address emerging infectious diseases involve international
collaboration, surveillance, research, and the development of rapid
response mechanisms. Early detection, effective communication, and
the implementation of public health measures are crucial for mitigating
the impact of these diseases on global health.
Conclusion
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