Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Article

THE PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT

Emerging infectious diseases pose an international threat that can be countered through well-coordinated global surveillance and response. Whereas traditional approaches to containing outbreaks are defensive—trying to secure borders from the entry of infectious diseases—modern solutions are built on a combination of early warning, surveillance systems, speedy communications, and information sharing through networks to facilitate action.

DAVID HEYMANN

(SEE ALSO: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Communicable Disease Control; Epidemics; Epidemiologic Surveillance; Epidemiology; HIV/AIDS)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

World Health Organization (1999). Removing Obstacles to Healthy Development: Report on Infectious Diseases. Geneva: Author.

—— (2000). Communicable Diseases 2000: Highlights of Activities in 1999 and Major Challenges for the Future. Geneva: Author.