Emergence and Spread of Infectious Disease Threats in a Globalized World

The above figure describes the making of an international infectious disease threat. Pandemics are one type of international infectious disease threat. Interventions at the earliest stages (i.e. emergence) have the greatest potential for prevention whereas interventions at the latest stages (i.e. spread) are mostly limited to mitigation or delay.

Emergence
Disease emergence encompasses more than the appearance of a previously unknown disease. Known diseases can be found in previously unaffected areas, in new populations, or at new times of the year.

• Promote awareness of the growing link between human health and animal health.
• Participate in initiatives to attenuate the effects of climate change, which are intertwined with changes in infectious disease activity in the world.
• Use antibiotics following the direction of your healthcare provider to prevent the emergence of drug resistant microbes.

Detection
Early disease detection allows for a more timely response, and thus can prevent a local outbreak from transforming into an international one.

• Support local and global initiatives to strengthen infectious disease surveillance and diagnostics, especially in low-income countries.

Control
Public health capacity comprises healthcare personnel (e.g. doctors and nurses), healthcare equipment and facilities (e.g. hospital beds), among other resources.

• Support local and global initiatives to strengthen public health capacity, especially in low-income countries.

Spread
Failing local control, the international spread of an infectious disease threat may be delayed but generally cannot be prevented altogether.

• Visit a travel medicine clinic before embarking upon an international trip, especially if attending or directly participating in a mass gathering.
• Contact your healthcare provider if ill after returning from abroad.
• Declare animals or animal products when traveling across an international border.
• Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with animals.
• Keep your vaccinations up to date.
• Stay away from others, including work, if unwell.
• Learn to cough and sneeze into your sleeve to decrease the probability of disease spread.