Friday, May 08, 2020

Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs

Michael Osterholm wrote "Deadliest Enemy" a few years ago to warn against the dangers of infectious disease. There have been a number of cases of disease outbreaks that have sparked immediate action (SARS, MERS, Zika, Ebola). However, once the disease is contained the interest fades. Significant research is performed initially. However, funding goes away after the threat fades, leaving incomplete results. Even diseases like Malaria get brushed off as "third world" diseases, and little effort is spent on containing them.
We have also reached a level of complacency with the seasonal flu. The annual vaccine provides a steady revenue stream. However, getting it every year may provide less immunity than receiving it occasionally. We have also stalled on achieving a "permanent" vaccine. Like other vaccines, the financial component may be getting in the way of some research.
Many of the novel viruses transfer from animals to humans in areas where they live close together. Third world megacities are especially vulnerable. Mosquitos are also primary vector for other diseases.
In one section, he describes a flu pandemic which sounds earlier like the current Covid-19 pandemic. Alas, we have still not prepared for it.

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