Question

Give two examples of emerging diseases.

Short answer

Examples of emerging diseases are COVID-19 and Zika virus.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Emerging Diseases

Emerging diseases are those illnesses that have recently appeared within a population or those whose incidence or geographic range is rapidly increasing. This can occur due to changes in the environment, the adaptation of disease agents to new hosts, or increased human interaction with previously unencountered ecosystems.

Example 1 - COVID-19

COVID-19 is an example of an emerging disease. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Its rapid global spread and wide impact on health and economy make it a quintessential example of an emerging disease.

Example 2 - Zika Virus

The Zika virus is another example of an emerging disease. It gained global attention in 2015-2016 due to links with birth defects. Transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, Zika spread rapidly across the Americas and prompted significant public health responses.

Key concepts

COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. It subsequently became a pandemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. This virus predominantly spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely, ranging from mild respiratory issues to severe acute respiratory syndrome.
• Key symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Some individuals remain asymptomatic while still being able to spread the virus to others.

The pandemic prompted global efforts to develop vaccines, leading to advancements like mRNA vaccines, which were distributed worldwide in record time. This effort showcased the resilience and adaptability of the global public health infrastructure. COVID-19 also highlighted the importance of pandemic preparedness. Nations had to implement various public health measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions to limit virus spread. These measures, while effective, have also had profound economic and social impacts on societies across the globe.

Zika Virus

The Zika Virus caused a worldwide health alarm between 2015 and 2016. It is spread primarily through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which also transmit other diseases like dengue and chikungunya.

• Symptoms of the Zika virus are generally mild and can include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and headache.
• What made Zika particularly concerning was its link to severe birth defects, particularly microcephaly in infants born to infected mothers.

Public health responses focused on mosquito control and education to minimize exposure. The outbreak spurred increased research on vector-borne diseases and the development of vaccines, although a universal vaccine for the Zika virus is yet to be fully realized. Additionally, the epidemic highlighted the need for improved prenatal care and monitoring during such outbreaks to prevent long-term developmental issues in infants. Effective communication and international collaboration were key in managing and reducing the spread of the virus.

Public Health

Public Health is a field focused on improving health and preventing diseases through organized community efforts. It plays a pivotal role in managing emerging diseases like COVID-19 and the Zika Virus. Public health strategies include:

• Surveillance: Monitoring and data collection are crucial in detecting outbreaks early and responding effectively.
• Prevention: Measures like vaccination campaigns, sanitation improvements, and education programs help in preventing disease proliferation.
• Intervention: Efforts to manage diseases through therapeutics, quarantines, and contact tracing are essential during outbreaks.

Public health initiatives also emphasize equitable access to healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health, and fostering community engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, underscored the importance of robust public health systems and the need for international cooperation to address transnational health threats. Public health's adaptability and continuous development are fundamental in combating not only new diseases but also long-standing health challenges around the world.