Reemerging infectious disease

Definition

A reemerging infectious disease is an illness that had decreased in incidence but is now increasing again, often due to changes in the environment, human behavior, or pathogen evolution. These diseases can pose significant challenges to public health systems globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reemerging infectious diseases can be caused by pathogens that develop resistance to treatments.
2. Environmental changes like deforestation and climate change can contribute to the resurgence of these diseases.
3. Global travel and trade facilitate the spread of reemerging infectious diseases across borders.
4. Examples include tuberculosis, malaria, and cholera which have seen resurgences in various parts of the world.
5. Public health strategies to manage reemerging diseases include surveillance, vaccination, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Review Questions

• What are some factors that contribute to the reemergence of infectious diseases?
• Can you name three examples of reemerging infectious diseases?
• How do public health strategies help control reemerging infectious diseases?

Related terms

Epidemiology: The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled within populations.

Antimicrobial Resistance: The ability of microbes to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them.

Surveillance: Continuous monitoring for disease outbreaks within a population.