Top 5 Emerging Diseases from 1998 to Present Day
Emerging diseases have been a constant threat to humanity throughout history. New viruses and bacteria take a heavy toll on the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. Here are the top 5 emerging diseases that have caused widespread concern from 1998 to present day.
1. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
SARS emerged in 2002 in Guangdong province, China, and subsequently spread to other parts of the world, causing a major epidemic. The virus causes fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and it can progress to severe respiratory distress. The mortality rate was as high as 10%, causing widespread panic and fear.
2. Ebola virus disease
Ebola virus disease (EVD) first appeared in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 but it wasn’t until 2014 that this virus heavily impacted the world. EVD causes hemorrhagic fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, with a mortality rate of up to 90%. Outbreaks of EVD have occurred in Central and West Africa.
3. Zika Virus
Zika virus first appeared in 1947 in Uganda but gained worldwide attention in 2015 as an outbreak in Brazil revealed a link between Zika and birth defects. Transmission of Zika virus occurs through infected mosquitos or sexual contact. Zika virus causes a range of symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain.
4. MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)
MERS emerged in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and has been reported in several countries in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America. MERS causes flu-like symptoms, cough, and shortness of breath, with a mortality rate of up to 35%.
5. COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease)
COVID-19 first emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide in early 2020, causing a global pandemic. The virus causes respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The severity ranges from mild to fatal. The disease has caused widespread disruption, leading to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and economic turmoil.
In conclusion, emerging diseases remain a global threat to humanity, and it is important to remain vigilant and prepared for any outbreaks. Timely identification, prevention, and treatment of emerging diseases are crucial to control the spread and mitigate the impact on public health and the economy. By raising awareness and providing education, we can better understand and prevent the spread of emerging diseases.
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