An emerging infectious disease is a term used to describe a newly identified infection that has rapidly increased in its occurrence or geographical distribution in humans during the recent past, or threatens to do so in the near future. These diseases are characterized by their ability to cause outbreaks or epidemics, posing a significant threat to public health.
An emerging infectious disease may originate from various sources, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or even prions. They often result from the evolution or adaptation of existing pathogens, or the spreading of local infections to new regions due to various factors, including globalization, increased travel, urbanization, changes in environment or climate, and the interaction between humans, animals, and the environment.
These diseases frequently catch scientists and healthcare professionals by surprise, as they can emerge suddenly and spread rapidly, overwhelming healthcare systems and causing significant morbidity and mortality. Examples of emerging infectious diseases include Ebola virus disease, Zika virus infection, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), novel coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for COVID-19), and various strains of influenza. It is crucial to monitor and study emerging infectious diseases to understand their transmission patterns, risk factors, and develop effective measures for prevention, containment, and treatment, as these diseases can have profound social, economic, and health consequences on a global scale.
