Abstract
This chapter discusses the nature and characteristics of infectious diseases, the particular circumstances in which they can produce epidemics, and how outbreaks can be detected and mitigated in a timely manner. Factors favoring epidemics include the innate capability of the infectious agent to infect individuals, the ease with which the agent is transmissible from one individual to another, and the susceptibility of the population for outbreaks to occur. Susceptibility to outbreaks is increased when the immune defense mechanisms of individuals are degraded through malnutrition and stress, and large numbers of people are crowded together in an environment lacking basic public health protections. Such circumstances often accompany disasters and complex emergencies. The public health community worldwide has developed mechanisms for earlier recognition and response to epidemics, and is striving to refine techniques and approaches to better anticipate them.
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To describe the historical impact of epidemics and pandemics
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To understand risk factors and conditions favourable for pandemics, epidemics, including natural disasters
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To describe responsibilities and activities of the World Health Organization and other international bodies in preparing for and responding to pandemics and epidemics
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To describe actions to be taken in responding to these events, including the discrimination of “naturally occurring” outbreaks from synthetic, or man-made ones
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DeFraites, R.F. (2014). The Sword of Damocles: Whither the Next Pandemic. In: Ryan, J., et al. Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2927-1_19
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2927-1_19
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