Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases

Study Notes

Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID)

EID refers to new diseases or known diseases rapidly spreading with increasing cases or broader geographic distribution.
Examples include COVID-19, SARS, and MERS.

Re-Emerging Diseases

Re-emerging diseases are those that resurface after a significant decline in incidence.
Notable examples include Malaria, Tuberculosis, Cholera, and Pertussis.

Causes of EIDs

Genetic mutations in microorganisms, particularly among RNA viruses with high mutation rates.
Population growth and urbanization contribute to the spread of diseases.
Human mobility through migration and travel facilitates disease transmission.
Antimicrobial resistance is often a result of antibiotic misuse.
Increased vector travel and animal trade also play roles.
Close human-animal interactions, such as hunting, lead to zoonotic infections.
Deforestation and land development expose humans to new infectious agents.
Risky human behaviors include multiple sexual partners and intravenous drug use.
Research and bioterrorism may pose a risk due to dangerous viral pathogens.
Failures in preventive measures and extreme climatic events, like floods and droughts, can trigger outbreaks.
Global warming may lead to surges in insect populations carrying pathogens.

Non-Communicable Diseases: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)

CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide and are termed the modern epidemic.
They exhibit high incidence, prevalence, mortality, and morbidity, influencing various aspects of life.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Modifiable: Dietary factors, physical inactivity, smoking, alcoholism, stress.
Non-modifiable: Age, gender, family history, genetic predisposition.
Emerging: Specific proteins like fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Multiple risk factors have a multiplicative effect rather than additive on coronary heart disease (CHD).

Prevention of CVD

Emphasize smoking cessation, healthy eating, and regular physical activity.
Healthy Eating:
- Reduce salt intake, eliminate trans fats, decrease saturated fats, limit free sugars.
- Increase consumption of fish, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
Physical Activity:
- Encourage at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week.
- Design environments that promote walking and cycling over car use.
- Implement exercise breaks and fitness programs in workplace settings.

Diabetes Mellitus

Recognized as a leading cause of death in numerous countries.
Associated with premature mortality and considerable morbidity.
Lifestyle modifications can lessen its incidence and complications.
Egypt ranks 9th in the world for diabetes prevalence, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

Description

Explore the world of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in this quiz. Learn about what constitutes an emerging infectious disease (EID) and the factors that contribute to their outbreaks. Delve into examples such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis, and understand their implications on public health.