NCJ Number
211803
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2005 Pages: 6,7,9
Date Published
September 2005
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article assesses the threat to humans of pandemic infectious diseases, including the threat of bioterrorism.
Abstract
International and national health organizations are warning that a flu pandemic is not an issue of if, but when. Recent episodes of animal flu strains causing disease in humans support experts' prediction that a new flu pandemic is inevitable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States estimates that if a flu pandemic were to occur in the United States, it could cause 314,000 to 734,000 hospitalizations and 89,000 to 207,000 deaths. In addition to influenza, there are threats from other new and re-emerging infectious diseases as well as the risk of catastrophic casualties from terrorist biological attacks. The U.S. General Accountability Office reports that more than 36 newly emerging infectious diseases were identified between 1973 and 2003, and new emerging infectious diseases continue to be identified. Nearly 70 percent of emerging infectious disease episodes over the past 10 years have been transmitted from animals to humans. The diversion of funding from infectious diseases has resulted in a slow decrease in research for new drugs to counter them. Consequently, many strains of infectious diseases are becoming increasingly resistant to existing drugs. Bioterrorism is a significant threat and difficult to prevent. There is little citizens can do to prepare for a bioterrorism attack. The best defense against widespread disease is early detection, which is managed by public health authorities. This should be the focus of resource investments.