Emerging infectious diseases

Definition

Emerging infectious diseases are infections that have recently appeared within a population or those whose incidence or geographic range is rapidly increasing. They can be caused by previously undetected or unknown infectious agents, known pathogens that have spread to new populations, or by the re-emergence of diseases once considered controlled.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Emerging infectious diseases can arise due to various factors including ecological changes, human behavior, and increased global travel.
2. Zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from animals to humans, are a significant category of emerging infectious diseases.
3. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play critical roles in monitoring and responding to emerging infectious diseases globally.
4. Antibiotic resistance is a major concern in the context of emerging infectious diseases as it can make infections harder to treat.
5. Historical examples include HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s and more recent outbreaks like SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19.

Review Questions

Related terms

Zoonosis:

An infection or disease that is transmissible from animals to humans.

Pandemic:

An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale affecting large numbers of people.

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic they were once sensitive to.