AIDS, Avian flu, SARS, MERS, Ebola, Zika… what next?

Vaccine. 2017 Aug 16;35(35 Pt A):4470-4474. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.04.082. Epub 2017 Jun 19.

Abstract

Emerging infections have threatened humanity since times immemorial. The dramatic anthropogenic, behavioral and social changes that have affected humanity and the environment in the past century have accelerated the intrusion of novel pathogens into the global human population, sometimes with devastating consequences. The AIDS and influenza pandemics have claimed and will continue to claim millions of lives. The recent SARS and Ebola epidemics have threatened populations across borders. The emergence of MERS may well be warning signals of a nascent pandemic threat, while the potential for geographical spread of vector-borne diseases, such as Zika, but also Dengue and Chikungunya is unprecedented. Novel technologies and innovative approaches have multiplied to address and improve response preparedness towards the increasing yet unpredictable threat posed by emerging pathogens.

Keywords: Emerging; Epidemics; Preparedness; Virus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome* / prevention & control
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome* / transmission
  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / prevention & control
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / transmission
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Coronavirus Infections* / transmission
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Global Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola* / epidemiology
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola* / prevention & control
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola* / transmission
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human* / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control
  • Influenza, Human* / transmission
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome* / prevention & control
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome* / transmission
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Viral Vaccines
  • Zika Virus Infection* / epidemiology
  • Zika Virus Infection* / prevention & control
  • Zika Virus Infection* / transmission

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Viral Vaccines