Chapter 17 : Emerging and Reemerging Infections: the Critical Societal Determinants, Their Mitigation, and Our Responsibilities

Abstract:

There are two fundamental approaches to controlling emerging and reemerging infections. Some are convinced that in future decades, one of the most important emerging and reemerging infections will be caused by genetically changing influenza viruses. The most effective approach to minimizing the incidence and severity of emerging and reemerging infections is amelioration of the societal conditions that provide the milieu in which these infections arise and flourish. Potential effects of world population growth on variables related to emerging and reemerging infections have been provided in this chapter. Since the variables that influence emerging and reemerging infections are also issues that must be addressed if society is to thrive, or even survive, it is imperative that an understanding of these issues be an integral part of the education of every student. Although this discussion is focused on the American educational system, the educational changes suggested for the United States are equally applicable to other countries, both developed and developing. Individuals and their professional societies thus have the opportunity to use the growing concerns about emerging and reemerging infections to influence the body politic to take actions focused on ameliorating the societal conditions associated with such infections; doing so not only will reduce the risks of emerging and reemerging infections but will benefit the entire global community.