Emerging infectious disease

Emerging infectious disease refers to an infectious disease that has newly appeared in a population or has existed but is rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. These diseases are a growing global concern due to their potential to cause pandemics.

Definition

The term "emerging infectious disease" was coined in the 1990s to describe a disease that is either new or changing, and is increasing or has the potential to increase in incidence in the near future. This includes diseases that are caused by new or previously unrecognized microorganisms, as well as known infections spreading to new geographic areas or populations.

Causes

Emerging infectious diseases can be caused by a variety of factors. These include genetic recombination, where two viruses infect a single host and exchange genetic material, and antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics. Other factors include urbanization and changes in climate, which can alter the habitats of disease-carrying organisms and increase contact between humans and these organisms.

Examples

Examples of emerging infectious diseases include HIV/AIDS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), West Nile virus, and Zika virus. These diseases have had significant impacts on global health and economies.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases require a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. This includes surveillance to detect diseases early, research to understand how diseases spread and how to stop them, and public health measures to prevent and control the spread of disease.

See Also

• Pandemic
• Epidemiology
• Public Health