Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
09:29
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Emerging & re-emerging infections in India: an overview
1Epidemiology & Epidemic Intelligence Service, National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi, India.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|September 24, 2013
Summary
Emerging infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic ones, pose a significant threat globally and in India. A comprehensive national strategy focusing on surveillance and rapid response is crucial for prevention and control.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The incidence of emerging infectious diseases has risen globally, with 60% originating from zoonotic sources.
- Developing nations like India face a disproportionate burden due to environmental, socio-economic, and demographic factors.
- India has experienced outbreaks of eight emerging/re-emerging diseases, six of zoonotic origin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing threat of emerging infectious diseases, especially zoonotic ones, in India.
- To emphasize the need for sophisticated technologies and policy changes for prevention and control.
- To advocate for a comprehensive national strategy for infectious disease management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global and national trends in emerging infectious diseases.
- Review of existing national response mechanisms and their implementation status.
- Assessment of the challenges posed by the size and population of India.
Main Results:
- Over 30 new infectious agents detected globally in three decades; 60% zoonotic.
- Eight emerging/re-emerging disease outbreaks in India, six zoonotic.
- Existing response mechanisms are in various stages of implementation.
Conclusions:
- Emerging infections remain a significant danger to India.
- A systems-level approach is necessary for effective response.
- A comprehensive national strategy with strengthened surveillance, rapid response, partnerships, and research is essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Infectious diseases appear in populations through various transmission patterns, influenced by pathogen characteristics, population immunity, environmental conditions, and social behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective public health surveillance and intervention. These categories—sporadic, outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, and endemic—help frame the nature and scope of disease events.Sporadic diseases occur irregularly and infrequently, without a predictable temporal or...
01:20Infection
When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...