Emerging infections: getting ahead of the curve

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D Satcher1

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. eieditor@cidod1.em.cdc.gov

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Despite scientific advances, infectious diseases continue to emerge. A new strategy by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on strengthening public health infrastructure to combat these threats.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Historically, infectious diseases caused unpredictable outbreaks.
  • Scientific progress in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to disease control, especially in industrialized nations.
  • Despite advancements, new and reemerging infectious diseases remain a significant global health concern.

Observation:

  • The National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine (IOM) has highlighted the erosion of public health infrastructure as a key factor in disease emergence since 1987.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has partnered with various organizations to develop a strategic plan addressing IOM report priorities.
  • This plan aims to combat emerging microbial threats to health.

Findings:

  • The CDC's strategic plan emphasizes laboratory-based surveillance as a cornerstone.
  • Improved communication networks are crucial for effective disease monitoring and response.
  • Enhancements to the public health infrastructure are fundamental to the strategy's success.

Implications:

  • The new periodical 'Emerging Infectious Diseases' will facilitate information exchange on disease trends.
  • It will analyze factors contributing to the emergence of infectious diseases.
  • The journal will support the development and implementation of effective prevention measures.

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