Emerging infections

A series of outbreaks, widespread epidemics and the recent pandemic illustrate that emerging infections have become part of the normal landscape of infectious diseases. The epidemiology and impact of infectious diseases in humans are dynamic. The presence and prevalence of infections may change over time, pathogens may evolve, and the complex interplay of factors that drive infectious disease dynamics may lead to changes in their distribution, frequency of transmission and extent of spread. This has become increasingly evident in the past two decades and will continue to change in the future. In this chapter, we review drivers of emerging infections and provide examples of coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1 and -2, MERS), avian and human influenza, mpox, chikungunya, Zika and dengue viruses, Ebola virus, Q fever and malaria. We discuss the options for surveillance and preparation for the next emerging infection, whether a known agent or Disease-X.