New infectious threats for Emergency Departments

Abstract

The last few decades have served as strong reminders of the continued threat from infectious diseases and ability of microbes to evolve, adapt and survive. Newly recognized infections have emerged at alarming rates, whereas other known pathogens have emerged unexpectedly and even become established in previously unaffected areas. Examples of some newly identified microbes are H1N1 strain of Swine Influenza Virus, Nairovirus causing Crimean- Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and West Nile Virus. Influenza though usually a mild and self contained illness has the potential to cause significant morbidity as it spreads extensively in the community. CCHF is one of the reemerging infectious diseases that may also result in pandemic spreads. Before 1994, outbreaks of West Nile virus were sporadic and occurred primarily in the Mediterranean region, Africa, and east Europe. Since 1994, outbreaks have occurred with a higher incidence of severe human disease, particularly affecting the nervous system. As a conclusion; when these recent threats are considered, emergency physicians should be ready for the rushes caused by these emerging and reemerging infections.