A New Disease Caused by a Novel Virus

Truly Emerging — 

Heinz Feldmann, M.D.

N Engl J Med 2011; 364:1561-1563April 21, 2011

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Contrary to predictions of the mid-20th century, infectious diseases are on the rise, threatening human and animal health on both local and global scales. Multiple factors are contributing to the emergence or reemergence of infectious diseases, including increasing human intrusion into the natural environment, with behavioral changes associated with expanding economic development.1 In addition to the global viral killers (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus and influenza virus), which are huge regional and global public health burdens, viral zoonoses in particular have become more prominent worldwide. A multidisciplinary approach to addressing zoonotic diseases is being promoted, and the “one world, one health” concept was recently reemphasized with the organization of the First International One Health Congress.2/.../