Infectious diseases still world’s top cause of death
CDC plans 1998 infectious disease conference
Infectious diseases remain the world’s leading cause of death, accounting for approximately half of the 50 million deaths annually, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.1
In commemoration of World Health Day on April 7, 1997, the CDC cited the ongoing challenge of emerging, re-emerging, and drug-resistant infections. In the United States, the infectious diseases HIV and pneumonia/influenza are two of the 10 leading causes of death.
The increasing interaction between humans and changing environments worldwide through access to rapid travel has increased the global risk for emerging diseases. In June 1996, the Clinton administration directed federal agencies to work together and with other countries to develop a global surveillance and response system that can quickly and effectively address outbreaks. The role of education is critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, the CDC notes.
"Improved understanding of risks presented by emerging infectious diseases, why these infections occur, and how to control and prevent infections will enable individuals, community organizations, health professionals, and others to reduce the risks associated with these diseases," the CDC reports.
In that regard, the CDC is cosponsoring an International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases March 8-12, 1998, in Atlanta. An international conference on hantaviruses will precede the main conference, convening March 5-7 in Atlanta. The purposes of the infectious disease conference include:
• Exchange scientific and public health information about global emerging infectious disease issues.
• Present programs and activities that address emerging infectious diseases.
• Identify program gaps.
• Increase awareness in the public health and scientific communities of emerging infectious disease issues.
• Enhance partnerships to address emerging infectious diseases.
A call for abstracts and registration information will be available on the World Wide Web at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/ncid.htm.
Reference
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. World Health Day April 7, 1997. MMWR 1997; 46:257.
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