The Surge of Infectious Diseases: A Closer Look
In recent months, the headlines have been dominated by a variety of infectious diseases, including bird flu, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, listeria, dengue, and Oropouche fever. And, of course, the ongoing challenges posed by Covid-19 continue to loom large.
For many, it may feel as though we are experiencing an unending wave of infectious disease outbreaks. While some of this concern is indeed justified—consider the severe impacts of Oropouche fever and dengue in South America, as well as the resurgence of mpox in parts of Africa—it’s important to understand the context of these threats, particularly within the United States.
This summer saw an uptick in mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue, malaria, West Nile virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis. However, aside from dengue, these viruses were largely comparable to or even less concerning than previous years. The real public health challenges we face stem from more familiar adversaries: Covid-19, measles, and whooping cough. Additionally, we cannot overlook the significant burden of non-infectious health issues, including drug overdoses, heart disease, and cancer.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasized that the heightened awareness of emerging pathogens among the American public is a notable shift following the coronavirus pandemic. This increased vigilance could be a double-edged sword; while it prepares us to respond more effectively to potential outbreaks, it also risks amplifying fear around diseases that may not pose an immediate threat.
- Bird Flu: Continues to be a concern globally, but its impact varies regionally.
- Mpox: A resurgence has been noted, particularly in Africa, raising alarms.
- Dengue: A significant issue in South America, leading to widespread illness.
- West Nile Virus: Remains a common mosquito-borne illness in the U.S.
- Non-infectious diseases: Heart disease, cancer, and drug overdoses are still leading causes of health issues.
As we navigate this complex landscape of public health, it is crucial to remain informed and balanced in our perceptions of these diseases, recognizing both the genuine risks and the relative stability of our current health environment.
