PEACELAND UNIVERSITY ENUGU

FACULTY:
SCIENCE AND COMPUTING

DEPARTMENT:
MICROBIOLOGY

TOPIC:
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE

BY:
ORJI JOY CHIDERA

REG.NO
2024104193

MAY, 2025
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Coverpage
Table of Content
Abstract
Chapter One
Definition of EIDs, Types of EIDs
Epidemology and Transmision
Chapter Two Prevention and control
Chapter Three
Diagnostics and treatment
Opportunities
Reference
 ABSTRACT
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose a significant threat to global health,
economies, and security. These diseases, which include zoonotic, vector-borne,
and antimicrobial-resistant infections, can spread rapidly across borders and have
devastating consequences. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the
importance of preparedness, surveillance, and response to EIDs. This study aims
to provide a comprehensive overview of EIDs, including their epidemiology,
transmission dynamics, and prevention strategies. We will examine the role of
globalization, climate change, and human behavior in the emergence and spread
of EIDs, as well as the challenges and opportunities in developing diagnostics,
treatments, and vaccines.
 INTRODUCTION
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) have become a pressing concern globally, posing
significant threats to human health, economic stability, and security. These diseases,
which include zoonotic, vector-borne, and antimicrobial-resistant infections, can
emerge and spread rapidly, often catching healthcare systems and governments off
guard. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the devastating consequences
of EIDs, including widespread illness, death, and economic disruption.
The world is facing an unprecedented era of emerging infectious diseases, driven by
factors such as globalization, climate change, urbanization, and human behavior. The
increasing interconnectedness of the world has facilitated the rapid spread of infectious
diseases across borders, making it essential for countries to work together to prevent,
detect, and respond to EID outbreaks.
EIDs can have severe consequences, including high morbidity and mortality rates,
economic losses, and social disruption. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
identified EIDs as a major threat to global health security, and many countries have
developed national strategies to address these diseases.
 CHAPTER ONE
DEFINITION
Definition of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs)
Emerging infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses,
fungi, or parasites) that have:
Recently appeared in a population or geographic area.
Increased in incidence or geographic range.
Shown resistance to existing treatments or preventive measures.

Types of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs)

1. Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans e.g
COVID 19, Ebola etc.
2. Vector-Borne Diseases: Diseases transmitted through vectors like mosquitoes, ticks,
and fleas e.g Malarai, Lyme Disease etc.
3. Waterborne Diseases: Diseases caused by pathogens in contaminated water, such as
Cholera etc.
4. Airborne Diseases: Diseases transmitted through the air, such as: Tuberculosis etc.
5. Foodborne Diseases: Diseases caused by pathogens in contaminated food, such as:
Salmonella etc.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND TRANSMISSION
The key factors contributing to the emergence of zoonotic diseases (diseases
transmitted from animals to humans

The emergence of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases transmitted from animals to
humans, can be attributed to several key factors.

Key Factors Contributing to Zoonotic Diseases

- Environmental Changes: Altered land use patterns, such as deforestation and
urbanization, can increase human contact with wildlife and disease vectors, leading to
the emergence of zoonotic diseases.
-Human Behavior: Changes in human demographics, behavior, and food preferences
can contribute to the emergence of zoonotic diseases. For example, increased
consumption of wild game meat or exotic animals can increase the risk of disease
transmission.
- Animal Factors: Increased contact between humans and animals, such as through
livestock production and trade, can facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
- Climate Change: Climate change can alter the distribution and transmission dynamics
of vector-borne diseases, allowing vectors to survive longer and transmit diseases more
efficiently.
 CHAPTER TWO
PREVENTION AND CONTROL

What are the most effective strategies for preventing and controlling emerging
infectious diseases in low-resource settings?
Preventing and controlling emerging infectious diseases in low-resource settings requires
a multi-faceted approach. Here are some effective strategies:
Strengthening Surveillance and Public Health Infrastructure
- Improve and expand surveillance capabilities for infectious diseases
- Enhance laboratory science and epidemiology to optimize public health practice
- Strengthen local, state, and federal public health infrastructures to support surveillance
and implement prevention and control programs
Applied Research and Prevention
- Conduct applied research to determine how behavioral factors influence exposure to
new infections
- Evaluate the effectiveness and economic benefit of strategies to prevent emerging
infectious diseases
- Develop and apply improved laboratory techniques for identifying new pathogens
Prevention and Control Measures
- Enhance communication of public health information about emerging diseases
- Ensure prompt implementation of prevention strategies
- Develop guidelines for preventing emerging infectious diseases
- Provide critical prevention materials
THE IMPACT OF VACCINATION CAMPAIGNS ON CONTROLLING
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Vaccination campaigns play a crucial role in controlling emerging infectious diseases. The
impact of vaccination campaigns can be significant, leading to:
1. Reduced disease transmission: Vaccination can reduce the number of susceptible
individuals, thereby decreasing disease transmission.
2. Prevention of outbreaks: Vaccination campaigns can prevent outbreaks by building
herd immunity, which protects vulnerable populations.
3. Control of epidemics: Vaccination can help control epidemics by reducing the number
of cases and slowing disease spread.
4. Protection of high-risk populations: Vaccination campaigns can target high-risk
populations, such as healthcare workers, older adults, or individuals with underlying health
conditions.

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL VACCINATION CAMPAIGNS INCLUDE:

1. Smallpox eradication: Global vaccination efforts led to the eradication of smallpox in
1980.
2. Polio control: Vaccination campaigns have significantly reduced polio cases worldwide.
3. COVID-19 vaccination: COVID-19 vaccination campaigns have helped reduce cases,
hospitalizations, and deaths globally
 CHAPTER THREE
DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT
The challenges and opportunities in developing rapid diagnostic tests for emerging
infectious diseases
CHALLENGES:
1. Speed and Accuracy: Developing tests that are both rapid and accurate can be
difficult.
2. Limited Resources: Developing tests for low-resource settings can be challenging
due to limited infrastructure and funding.
3. Pathogen Diversity: Emerging pathogens can be diverse, making it challenging to
develop tests that detect all strains.
4. Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating regulatory requirements for approval and
validation can be time-consuming.
5. Sample Complexity: Working with complex clinical samples can make test
development challenging.

OPPORTUNITIES:
1. Advanced Technologies: Leveraging advanced technologies like
molecular diagnostics, biosensors, and artificial intelligence can
improve test development.
2. Point-of-Care Testing: Developing point-of-care tests can enable
rapid diagnosis in decentralized settings.
3. Global Collaboration: International collaborations can facilitate
sharing of resources, expertise, and data.
 CONCLUSION
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose a significant threat to global health,
economies, and societies. The rapid spread of EIDs can be attributed to factors such
as globalization, urbanization, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance. To
combat EIDs, it's essential to develop effective surveillance systems, improve
diagnostic capabilities, and enhance public health infrastructure. Collaboration
between governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, and international
organizations is crucial for sharing information, developing strategies, and
implementing control measures. Investing in research and development of new
diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccines is also vital for preparedness and response
to EIDs. By working together, we can reduce the impact of EIDs and protect public
health.
 REFERENCE
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Diseases.
Jones, K. E., Patel, N. G., Levy, M. A., Storeygard, A., Balk, D., Gittleman, J. L., &
Daszak, P. (2008). Global trends in emerging infectious diseases. Nature,
451(7181), 990-993.
Morens, D. M., Folkers, G. K., & Fauci, A. S. (2004). The challenge of emerging
and re-emerging infectious diseases. Nature, 430(6996), 242-249.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). (2022). Emerging
and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Emerging and re-emerging infectious
diseases.