Question

Consider the emergence of a pandemic, from the first spillover event to worldwide transmission. Where are the points at which we could stop the spread of the disease? Explain.

Answer 1

A pandemic is the worldwide spread of new disease. The entry of pathogens into the human population via contact with nonhuman primates is an ongoing, dynamic process. The traditional practice of hunting and butchering of non-human primates continues to be the gateway for the zoonotic transmission of retroviruses. The species of animal that harbors the pathogen, the nature of human interaction with that animal, and the frequency of these interactions all likely modulate the risk of zoonotic transmission. Socioeconomic factors are hypothesized to be a major determinant of the spatial distribution of emerging infectious disease events. Other factors such as the loss of biodiversity is believed to be an important contributing factor to zoonosis. Also deforestation and climate amy contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases among humans. Current global disease control focuses almost exclusively on responding to pandemics after they have already spread globally. One of the measures to reduce the risk of pandemic situation is healthy hunter education sessions. The interactive education sessions are meant to inform individuals of precautions that may be taken to reduce the risk of being infected with a zoonotic agent when engaged in high risk practices such as hunting and butchering. Some precautions such as avoiding the hunting of nonhuman primates, because they share many diseases and infections with humans; avoiding butchering or handling animal meat if there are injuries on the hands or arms; immediately washing any bites, scratches, cuts or injuries obtained during hunting or butchering, preferably with soap; and avoiding contact with animal carcasses found in the forest should be taken. The other strategy is the containment strategy. The basic containment strategy uses a geographically based approach in which antiviral medications and non-pharmaceutical measures are used in a defined area surrounding the initial cases (i.e. Containment Zone) to restrict the virus from spreading beyond the Containment Zone. A key element of public health is responding to infectious disease outbreaks, including suspected avian influenza, by mounting 1) early detection and the initial field investigation of human cases; 2) implementation of immediate prevention and control measures to prevent further transmission; and 3) notification of national authorities who in turn notify WHO depending on the disease and the outbreak situation. It is possible that some persons may have left the Containment Zone either before or after it had been established. Such persons may have been exposed to the virus. As part of the containment operations, every reasonable effort should be made to identify such persons through media messages and other communication channels so that they can be given antiviral prophylaxis, quarantined, and carefully monitored. Surveillance in the Containment Zone is performed to identify suspect cases of pandemic. All persons in the Containment Zone who are not ill should be given 20 days of antiviral prophylaxis. Cases of influenza-like illness should be clinically managed using standard treatment regimens for seasonal influenza, including antivirals. It is critical that all non-essential movement of persons in and out of the Containment Zone is discouraged as much as possible.