ATHENS, Ga., Feb 21, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A U.S.-led team of scientists has
developed the first definitive proof that emerging infectious diseases are
increasing in number.
The researchers, led by University of Georgia Professor John Gittleman, analyzed
335 incidents of disease emergence occurring since 1940. The scientists --
including researchers from the Consortium for Conservation Medicine in New York,
the London Institute of Zoology and Columbia University -- found most of the new
diseases originated in wildlife, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and
the Ebola virus.
The study also determined more new diseases emerged during the 1980s than during
any other decade, most likely due to the emergence of the human immunodeficiency
virus and resulting AIDS epidemic that produced additional illnesses in people.
The scientists also created sophisticated computer models to help design a
unique global map of emerging disease locations.
"This is a seminal moment in how we study emerging diseases," said Gittleman,
who developed the approach used in analyzing the global database. "Our study has
shown that bringing ecological sciences and public health together can advance
the field in a dramatic way."
The research was recently reported in the journal Nature.
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Copyright 2008 by United Press International