From severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to avian influenza A (H7N9), the twentieth century saw the emergence of many new diseases, which caught the attention of many. This disease – called emerging infectious disease (EIDs) – is a particular concern in public health. Not only because the disease can cause death in humans in large numbers is currently spreading, but because it also has a huge social and economic impact in today’s interconnected world. For example, the estimated direct cost incurred by SARS in Canada and Asian countries is approximately 50 billion U.S. dollars. In addition, the impact of this new infectious disease is relatively greater in developing countries that have fewer resources. In the last 30 years, more than 30 EIDs have appeared. Asia, unfortunately, is often its epicenter.
EIDs are diseases that appear and attack a population for the first time, or have existed before but are increasing …
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