Week 12

Question 1

list and describe each of the factors associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases

Answer 1

Antimicrobial resistance:
- overuse, underuse, misuse
- empirical treatment

Viral mutation:
- antigenic variation
- drift (gradual, point mutations)
- shift (spontaneous, jump host barrier)

Host susceptibility:
- immunocompromised (age, co-morbidities)

Economic development:
- high-density housing
- encroachment into new areas

Technological changes:
- air-conditioning -> humidity -> mould
- refrigeration (transport of food/vaccines)

Environmental changes:
- mosquitoes/vectors (climate change)
- movement beyond original zones

International travel:
- 72 hours to travel anywhere
- incubation period

Inadequate public health:
- antivaxxers
- sanitisation, sewerage treatment
- clean water
- timely access to healthcare

Wars/Natural disasters:
- loss of infrastructure
- no clean water
- targeted during war
- shortage of resources
- organic material (bodies, sewerage)
- displacement

Lifestyle factors:
- willful ignorance
- IV drug use
- sexual practices