The Future of Humanity and Microbes: Impact of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Global Health and Economies

Infectious diseases have affected humans since the first recorded history of man. Infectious diseases cause increased morbidity and a loss of work productivity as a result of compromised health and disability, accounting for approximately 30 % of all disability-adjusted life years globally. The world has experienced an increased incidence and transboundary spread of emerging infectious diseases due to population growth, urbanization and globalization over the past four decades. Most of these newly emerging and re-emerging pathogens are viruses, although fewer than 200 of the approximately 1400 pathogen species recognized to infect humans are viruses. On average, however, more than two new species of viruses infecting humans are reported worldwide every year most of which are likely to be RNA viruses. Establishing laboratory and epidemiological capacity at the country and regional levels is critical to minimize the impact of future emerging infectious disease epidemics. Improved surveillance and monitoring of the influenza outbreak will significantly enhance the options of how best we can manage outreach to both treat as well as prevent spread of the virus. To develop and establish an effective national public health capacity to support infectious disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and early response, a good understanding of the concepts of emerging infectious diseases and an integrated public health surveillance system in accordance with the nature and type of emerging pathogens, especially novel ones is essential. There are important tools with which to fight outbreaks a clear case definition, an aware health care system, and an informed public. The influenza outbreak in India should be further researched to determine the virulence and potential threat of the virus. Real-time surveillance, getting organized, and depositing these sequences, can help in planning a better strategy to respond to the virus.