Emerging and Re-emerging Infections
Emerging and re-emerging infections are diseases that are either newly identified in a population or a pathogen that has recently increased in number, or has adapted to a new host. They present a major threat to global health, as the number of newly identified infections is on the rise and the incidence of established infections is increasing. They are also a challenge to public health systems, as they require new approaches to prevention and treatment that may be costly and difficult to implement in resource-limited settings. Emerging and re-emerging infections can be transmitted through contact with an infected animal or human, through contact with contaminated food or water, or through vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes. Examples of emerging and re-emerging infections include the Zika virus, avian and swine flu, Ebola, and multi-drug-resistant bacteria and viruses. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment are key to controlling and preventing the spread of these infections. Therefore, public health authorities, healthcare providers, and communities must be aware of the risks and take necessary steps to protect themselves and others.
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