Infectious diseases are known to be the major cause of deaths around the world. Studies have shown that infectious diseases are the third major cause of deaths in the United States (Freimuth, Linnan, & Potter, 2000). Research has also revealed that deaths caused by infectious diseases have grown by 58% between 1980 and 1993; the leading contributors were respiratory disease (mainly pneumonia), and HIV infection (Pinner et al., 2006). Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are diseases caused by recently discovered microorganisms or recently discovered breed of an already known microorganism such as AIDS, SARS; recent infections resulting from the development or change of an existing organism such as influenza, already known infections that overspreads an area of population, and recognized and pre-existing infections reappearing because of public health failure or drug resistance such as tuberculosis. Emerging infectious diseases are of a growing concern to public health. This paper emphasizes on why it is important for Public Health to address infectious disease. Also, the paper will place emphasis on how public health counteracts complacency regarding infectious disease, the general public’s perception of infectious disease and how their perception hampers the effort of public health.
High prevalence of chronic health diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and many others has been recorded in many countries of the world today. However, it is crucial for public health to pay great attention on infectious diseases even when chronic health diseases have become more rampant in most countries, as infectious diseases are the main cause of illness, impairment, and death worldwide. Furthermore, infectious diseases are relatively easily transmitted, and agents that cause infectious diseases are present everywhere (Pinner et al., 2006), which makes everyone susceptible to these diseases. Hence, addressing infectious diseases will go a long way in curbing prevalent death cases around the world.
Complacency towards infectious disease has been an issue in existence worldwide. Many efforts have been made by the public health to counteract complacency regarding infectious disease, such as producing strategic plans and programs for addressing emerging infectious diseases (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004). These plans and programs concentrate on increasing response capacity and surveillance; focusing on useful research priorities; enhancing control and prevention programs; and putting in place public health infrastructure. An example of such strategic plan is the Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory Fellowship Program (EIDLFP). In an attempt to counteract complacency regarding infectious disease, CDC in partnership with the Association of State and Territorial Public Health Laboratory Directors put up EIDLFP to provide training opportunities for workers of state public health laboratory (Emerging infectious diseases fellowship program, 1995). Another effort is the creation of the Emergence Infectious Diseases Journal. The purpose of the journal is to keep track of trends and study re-emerging and recent infectious disease issues worldwide. Also, the journal aims at disseminating credible information on emerging infectious diseases worldwide.
The general public’s perception regarding infectious disease vary significantly across the world. Majority of people in developed countries such as the United States and British public are fairly informed and enlightened about infectious disease. The efforts of public health in these countries have been relatively successful in mitigating infectious diseases. While people in developing and underdeveloped countries, have little or no idea about infectious diseases like methods of transfer and its prevention; hence, have shown less concern. This has hampered public health efforts in such countries. However, outbreaks of infectious diseases such as SARS have increased the public’s perception about infectious disease.
In conclusion, it is crucial for public health to address infectious diseases as it is the major cause of deaths around the world and because of its rapid transmission. Public health has put up several strategic plans and programs in an effort to counteract complacency regarding infectious disease. Public perception regarding infectious diseases varies in countries and has hampered the efforts of public health accordingly.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2004). Addressing Emerging Infectious Disease Threats: a prevention strategy for the United States. Atlanta: U. S. Department of health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Freimuth, V., Linnan, H. W., & Potter P. (2000). Communicating the Threat of Emerging Infections to the Public. Emerg Infect Dis. 6(4). Web.
Pinner, R. W., Teutsh, S. M., Simonsen, L., Klug, L. A., Graber, J. M., & Clarke, M. J. (2006). Trends in infectious disease mortality in the United States. JAMA, 275, 189-93.