Environment and Emerging Infections

Emerging infection has become a major threat globally affecting the economy and public health of different nations. The steady increase in the incidence of these new infections across geographical border calls for immediate attention of different stakeholders. The major cause of these infections is linked with environment, advancement in technology and socio-economic factors such as Climate change and changing ecosystems, economic development, Land use such as urbanization and deforestation, advancement in technology and industry (food processing and handling), International travel and commerce, breakdown of public health system, war, unrest, overcrowding and deterioration in surveillance systems and lack of political will. The solution to these problems lies in Public health surveillance and response systems. This will rapidly detect unusual, unexpected and unexplained disease patterns. And in addition, facilitate tracking and exchanging information in real time for immediate response to prevent widespread of the new infections. Containment of emerging infections can also be done by eliminating the reservoirs of infection, breaking the chains of transmissions and protecting susceptible individuals.