WITH EXAMPLES DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN EMERGING AND RE EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES (10 MARKS)

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are two categories of diseases that pose a significant threat to public health.

1. Emerging Infectious Diseases: Emerging infectious diseases are those that have newly appeared in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. These diseases are often caused by new or novel viruses or bacteria.

Example: COVID-19 is a perfect example of an emerging infectious disease. It was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread globally, leading to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus, meaning it is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

2. Re-emerging Infectious Diseases: Re-emerging infectious diseases are diseases that once were major health problems globally or in a particular country, and then declined dramatically, but are again becoming health problems for a significant proportion of the population.

Example: Tuberculosis (TB) is an example of a re-emerging infectious disease. While TB was a major health problem in the early 20th century, advancements in healthcare led to a significant decrease in cases. However, in recent years, TB has seen a resurgence, particularly in areas with high HIV prevalence and in those who are immunocompromised.

In conclusion, the main difference between emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases lies in their prevalence and impact over time. Emerging diseases are new diseases or diseases that are increasing in incidence, while re-emerging diseases are those that were once under control but are again becoming a significant health problem.