In general, emerging infectious diseases can be placed into three categories. In some cases, a known disease may begin to spread rapidly. In others, outbreaks may be attributed to a new and less-understood disease. Emerging infectious diseases can also involve uncontrollable outbreaks of known diseases.
What Are Infectious Diseases?
Infectious diseases result from germs like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These germs can pass from person to person, or the can be acquired after handling a contaminated object. You can also contract infectious diseases from insects, contaminated food, and the surrounding environment.
Are Infectious Diseases Always Serious?
Most infectious diseases are associated with mild symptoms when it comes to healthy adults. This is true of the common cold and flu, which can usually be treated with bed rest, increased fluids, and non-prescription pain relief. On the other hand, an infectious disease like HIV/AIDS is associated with life-threatening symptoms if treatment isn’t administered.
Which Infectious Diseases Are Considered Emerging?
Many medical researchers are focused on the following emerging diseases:
- E. coli
- Dengue fever
- Lyme disease
- West Nile virus
- Zika virus
COVID-19, SARS, and MERS, which are all types of coronaviruses, also fall into the category of emerging infectious diseases.
A Knowledgeable Patient Is a Healthy Patient
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