Travel and the Emergence of Infectious Diseases
1995
Travel and the Emergence of Infectious Diseases
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Mary E. Wilson
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
How does global travel influence the emergence and spread of infectious diseases?
Conclusion
Global travel significantly contributes to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases by mixing diverse genetic pools and introducing pathogens to new environments.
Supporting Evidence
- Travel allows potentially pathogenic microbes to be introduced into new geographic areas.
- Massive movement of humans and materials sets the stage for mixing diverse genetic pools.
- Human migration has been the main source of epidemics throughout recorded history.
Takeaway
When people travel, they can bring germs with them that can make others sick, especially in new places where people haven't been exposed to those germs before.
Limitations
The complexity of disease emergence involves many simultaneous factors, making it difficult to isolate the impact of travel alone.
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