The relationship between ecological behavior and human health are often ignored in developed countries due to the support of medical facilities, surveillance, and available courses of action. However, in places such as Cuba, Honduras, and Haiti, this interdependence becomes more substantial and causes continuous concerns.
More than 70% of new and emerging infectious diseases in humans, are thought to have originated within animal species. Understanding this relationship between human health and ecological health is vital in understanding the steps that can be taken to eradicate or prevent transmission. It is important to acknowledge the effect of Neglected Zoonotic Diseases (NZDs) that primarily affect undeveloped or marginalized areas of the world. This project explores the history and pattern of zoonotic diseases and NZDs in Central and South America. Due to developing countries having extremely low transmission rates, the social aspects of why these diseases cannot be eradicated in South and Central America will also be examined.
The diseases chosen for this project range from nonepidemic to epidemic scaled diseases, chosen by the resulting effect on communities. Both zoonotic diseases and neglected zoonotic diseases will be used within the project to compare treatment within these areas. Relative information can be found on each disease, as well as the history and pattern of transmission. Additionally, select ports and countries will be used to outline the importance of medical facilities and surveillance in these often forgotten parts of the world.
Sources:
Al-Tayib, O. (2019). An Overview of the Most Significant Zoonotic Viral Pathogens Transmitted from Animal to Human in Saudi Arabia. Pathogens, 8(1), p.25.