Describe Two Instances of Increased Disease and the Underlying Causes. Explain How You Think the Medical and Scientific Community Should Respond.

Module 1 Discussion 3

Describe two instances of increased disease and the underlying causes. Explain how you think the medical and scientific community should respond.

Westnile virus is a mosquito borne zoontic arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus. Found in temperate and tropical regions of the world. The virus is carried from infected birds to people by mosquitoes. Most cases of West Nile virus are mild and go unreported. In 1999, was when it gained attention in the United States, due to a outbreak in the Bronx Zoo, in New York. Within four to five years it was spread to at least 47 states, accounting for 700 deaths. Its believed that it originally came come Uganda, but how is still unknown. The virus can not be transmitted from human to human. Symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash may appear. Tho, severe cases can cause more neurologic issues. With the use of insect repellents and more knowledge of the Virus it self, may help reduce the risk of people infected and possibly decrease the number of cases that go unreported.

Smallpox is a serious and contagious disease due to a virus. The virus is thought to have existed over 12,000 years. Smallpox entered the New World in the 16th century, carried by European explorers and conquistadors. It is estimated that there were 300 million to 500 million deaths from smallpox worldwide, compared to 100 million from tuberculosis. In the end of the 18th century an effective method of vaccination was developed. It was an English scientist named Edward Jenner who discovered the vaccine. Smallpox is transmitted person, to person when droplets of saliva during coughing or sneezing then inadvertently inhaled by another person. Symptoms develop seven to 17 days after exposure. Fever is most commonly accompanied by body aches, and a rash that spreads everywhere on the body, especially on legs, arms, mouth and face. Treatment for smallpox is supportive, keeping the patient...