People at Risk
People and animals have always shared diseases, but the threat to humans is greater than ever. Viruses and other pathogens that once only occurred in animals are now finding their way into people. Some of these emerging diseases will only affect a few people, others may cause global pandemics.
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InfluenzaThe most common influenza viruses affecting people originated in birds. Their ability to mutate and jump from birds to mammals such as pigs, dogs and humans means that pandemics can originate almost anywhere in the world. The H1N1 swine flu pandemic sweeping around the globe is a wake up call - globalization puts everyone on earth at risk once a pandemic virus emerges into people. |
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EbolaEbola originated from non-human primates and then spread from person-to-person. Poor sanitation and crowding exacerbate transmission - conditions that are rampant around the globe. |
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Hemorrhagic FeverRodents are an important source of viruses causing hemorrhagic fever. There are many types of hemorrhagic diseases, and those that can be spread from person to person by mosquitoes pose a growing threat. |
