Advancing technology and changes in the way we live, eat, and interact with others have made us more vulnerable to infectious diseases. New infections are emerging, diseases thought to be under control are returning, and many dangerous microorganisms survive drugs that used to kill them. People with lowered immunity Emerging infections are particularly serious in the growing number of people with lowered immunity, for example, those infected with HIV or receiving medications for cancer or organ transplantation. Others at higher risk are people with various underlying diseases, the elderly, people in nursing homes, and people with little access to health care, such as the homeless, migrant farm workers, and the poor. International travelers Increased international travel brings diseases once considered exotic to our doorstep.
Influenza travels rapidly around the globe today.
Emerging infections can touch people everywhere, regardless of lifestyle, cultural or ethnic background, or socioeconomic status. The public health system of this country is not prepared for the emerging disease problems of a rapidly changing world. Current systems for keeping track of infectious diseases here and abroad cannot meet the threat of emerging infections. The nation's early warning system for infectious diseasesthe backbone of U.S. public health programs for more than a centuryis in disarray. At the same time, our ability to detect, contain, and prevent emerging infectious diseases is in jeopardy.