Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases PDF

**Wolaita Sodo University** C:\\Users\\neway\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Temporary Internet Files\\Content.Word\\FB\_IMG\_15105746432639276.jpg **College of Natural and Computational Science** **Department of Environmental Science** **Course Title: Environmental Health (EnSc 312)** **[...

**Wolaita Sodo University** C:\\Users\\neway\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Temporary Internet Files\\Content.Word\\FB\_IMG\_15105746432639276.jpg **College of Natural and Computational Science** **Department of Environmental Science** **Course Title: Environmental Health (EnSc 312)** **[Assignment on Emerging and Reemerging Disease]** **[Prepared by G-1 Members ]** **Name ID [No]** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. **Course Instructor: Ketema.B** **November, 2024** **Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia** Table of Contents ================= Contents Pages {#contents-pages.style266} ============== [Table of Contents] I [[Emerging and Reemerging Diseases] 1](%5Cl) [[1. Introduction] 1](%5Cl) [[2. Causes of Emerging and Reemerging Diseases] 1](%5Cl) [[3. Examples of Emerging Diseases] 2](%5Cl) [[4. Examples of Reemerging Diseases] 2](%5Cl) [[5. Impacts of Emerging and Reemerging Diseases] 3](%5Cl) [[6. Prevention and Control Strategies] 4](%5Cl) [[Conclusion] 5](%5Cl) [[References] 5](%5Cl) Emerging and Reemerging Diseases ================================ 1. Introduction =============== Throughout history, infectious diseases have vastly impacted human civilization. Around fifty years ago, many people believed that the age-old battle of humans against infectious disease was virtually over and that humankind were the winners. Unfortunately, several new diseases emerged during the past decades (such as AIDS, West Nile fever, and Legionnaires' disease). In addition, certain traditional diseases resurged with full effects (such as malaria, Lyme disease, and tuberculosis). Globally, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death; therefore it is clear that humans are yet to be declared the winners in this battle against infectious diseases. Emerging and reemerging diseases are significant global health challenges that impact public health, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide. These diseases are influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental changes, human behavior, and microbial adaptation. Emerging diseases are those that have appeared in a population for the first time or have existed previously but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. Examples include **COVID-19**, **Ebola virus disease**, and **Zika virus infection**. Reemerging diseases are those that were previously under control but have resurfaced due to changes in epidemiological factors. Examples include **tuberculosis (TB)**, **malaria**, and **measles**. 2. Causes of Emerging and Reemerging Diseases ============================================= **Microbial Adaptation and Resistance**: Pathogens evolve over time, developing resistance to existing treatments such as antibiotics and antiviral drugs. For instance, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has reemerged as a significant global health concern (WHO, 2022). **Climate and Environmental Changes**: Global warming, deforestation, and urbanization disrupt ecosystems, leading to closer contact between humans and wildlife. This increases the risk of zoonotic diseases such as **Ebola** and **Lyme disease**. **Globalization and Travel:** Increased international travel and trade facilitate the rapid spread of infectious diseases across borders, as seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. **Urbanization and Population Growth**: Rapid urbanization and overcrowded living conditions create environments conducive to disease transmission, especially for vector-borne diseases like **dengue fever**. **Human Behavior**: Factors such as poor hygiene, vaccine hesitancy, and risky behaviors (e.g., unprotected sex) contribute to the emergence or reemergence of diseases like **HIV/AIDS** and **measles**. **Weak Healthcare Systems**: Limited access to healthcare services, especially in low-income countries, hampers early detection and control of outbreaks, allowing diseases to spread unchecked. **Conflict and Displacement**: Refugees and internally displaced populations are at higher risk of reemerging diseases due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of medical care. 3. Examples of Emerging Diseases ================================ **COVID-19**: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19 emerged in late 2019 and rapidly became a global pandemic, highlighting the vulnerabilities of public health systems. **Ebola Virus Disease**: Recurrent outbreaks, particularly in West Africa, have been linked to close contact with infected wildlife and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. **Zika Virus Infection**: Initially confined to Africa and Asia, Zika virus spread to the Americas in 2015, causing widespread concern due to its link with congenital abnormalities. **Nipah Virus**: Emerging in Southeast Asia, Nipah virus is associated with close contact with infected pigs or bats and has a high fatality rate. 4. Examples of Reemerging Diseases ================================== **Tuberculosis (TB)**: Once under control, TB has reemerged due to drug resistance and co-infection with HIV/AIDS, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. **Measles**: Measles has reemerged in regions with declining vaccination coverage due to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. **Malaria**: While global efforts have reduced malaria incidence, climate change and resistance to antimalarial drugs have led to its reemergence in some areas. **Cholera**: Cholera has reemerged in regions with poor sanitation and water shortages, particularly in conflict-affected areas. 5. Impacts of Emerging and Reemerging Diseases ============================================== **A. Health Impacts** - **Widening Health Disparities: Vulnerable populations in low-income countries often lack access to vaccines, treatments, and healthcare infrastructure, resulting in a disproportionate impact.** - **Long-term Health Consequences: Certain diseases, such as COVID-19, leave survivors with chronic health issues like \"long COVID,\" which includes fatigue, cognitive impairments, and respiratory problems.** - **Mental Health Effects: The fear and stigma associated with infectious diseases can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, particularly in isolated or quarantined individuals.** **B. Economic Burden** - **Increased Government Expenditures: Governments often allocate significant resources to disease containment, testing, vaccination campaigns, and public health campaigns, straining budgets.** - **Impact on Trade and Supply Chains: Diseases like avian influenza can disrupt agricultural exports, while global pandemics like COVID-19 affect international trade and logistics.** - **Job Loss and Poverty: Extended outbreaks often lead to layoffs, unemployment, and increased poverty, particularly in industries like tourism, hospitality, and transportation.** **C. Social Disruption** - **Impact on Education: Extended school closures during pandemics disrupt education, especially in low-resource settings without access to online learning platforms. This exacerbates educational inequality.** - **Loss of Social Cohesion: Fear and stigma surrounding diseases may lead to discrimination, social fragmentation, and exclusion of affected individuals or communities.** - **Migration and Displacement: Disease outbreaks often force people to flee affected areas, creating internal displacement and straining host communities.** **D. Strain on Healthcare Systems** - **Delayed Treatment for Other Illnesses: During outbreaks, healthcare resources are diverted to manage the disease, delaying treatment for chronic illnesses, maternal health, and elective surgeries.** - **Burnout among Healthcare Workers: Prolonged outbreaks lead to increased workloads, stress, and emotional exhaustion among healthcare workers, impacting their mental well-being and reducing workforce capacity.** - **Lack of Essential Supplies: Sudden surges in cases often deplete critical medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and medications.** **E. Environmental Impacts** - **Increased Medical Waste: Outbreaks generate large volumes of medical waste, such as syringes, gloves, and masks, which can overwhelm waste management systems and harm the environment.** - **Wildlife Disruption: Overzealous attempts to control zoonotic diseases may lead to harmful interventions, such as indiscriminate culling of wildlife populations, potentially disrupting ecosystems.** **F. Political and Governance Challenges** - **Loss of Public Trust: Misinformation, lack of transparency, and ineffective responses to outbreaks can erode public trust in governments and health authorities.** - **Global Inequalities in Resource Distribution: Limited access to vaccines and treatments in low-income countries highlights disparities in global health equity, straining international relations.** 6. Prevention and Control Strategies ==================================== **Strengthening Surveillance Systems**: Early detection of outbreaks through robust disease surveillance and reporting systems is crucial for preventing the spread of emerging diseases. **Promoting Vaccination**: Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools against reemerging diseases like measles and polio. Expanding vaccine coverage is essential to control outbreaks. **Improving Healthcare Infrastructure**: Building resilient healthcare systems, especially in low-income regions, ensures better outbreak management and reduces mortality rates. **Public Education and Awareness**: Educating communities about hygiene, safe practices, and the importance of vaccination can reduce the spread of diseases. **International Cooperation**: Collaboration among countries, organizations, and researchers is vital for addressing global health threats. Initiatives like the WHO\'s International Health Regulations (IHR) aim to improve global health security. **Research and Development**: Investing in research to develop new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools is essential for combating resistant and emerging pathogens. Conclusion ========== Emerging and reemerging diseases remain a persistent threat to global health. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities. Effective surveillance, rapid response, vaccination campaigns, and international collaboration are key to mitigating the impact of these diseases and preventing future outbreaks. References ========== 1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). *Global Tuberculosis Report 2022*. Geneva: WHO. 2. International Monetary Fund (IMF). (2021). *World Economic Outlook: Managing Divergent Recoveries*. 3. Meerburg, B. G., & Reusken, C. B. (2011). Emerging zoonoses in a changing world: Tackling disease emergence in humans and animals. *Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 11*(5), 587-595. 4. Fauci, A. S., & Morens, D. M. (2012). The perpetual challenge of infectious diseases. *New England Journal of Medicine, 366*(5), 454-461.