Debating Disease 2012 GMU DEBATE INSTITUTE Ivan Kyagaba and Young Kwon

1918 Flu Pandemic 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic Killed million people—number is higher than people killed in WW1 Movement of Armies/Trade Routes=spread of strain/poor living condition. Spread through North America/Europe/Asia/Africa/Brazil/South Pacific Origin is not unknown—thought to have originated in China in a rare genetic shift— research continuing.

Ebola Three types (Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo)—associated with outbreaks in Africa. Reston species have been found in Western Pacific—but is asymptomatic. Health care workers who have not taken proper precaution have been affected. No specific vaccine has been developed yet/experiments continued 1859 Cases identified over 1200 deaths.

Terberculosis Caused by bacteria that often affects lungs Spreads from air—1/3 of the world population has latent TB—one that doesn’t trigger symptoms yet. Second largest killer after AIDS Treatable/Curable—correct application Multidrug Resistant TB—doesn’t respond to first- line vaccinations—primary cause is incorrect use/poor quality medicine There are second-line vaccinations—limited/not available to many. Annually, about fell ill with MDR-TB and died due to this form of tuberculosis.

MRSA Antibiotic Resistance: the ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of an anti-biotic A bacteria that carries several resistance genes=superbugs. Incorrect diagnosis/unnecessary prescriptions/growth hormones MRSA (Methicillin-resistant) appeared

Influenza Common Name: Flu Virus Highly Contagious—spread through airborne droplets/other agents include animals and fomites. Type A/B/C—A/B most common—often peak during the season Influenza vaccination is used—but in poorer/industrial nations have less chance of survival WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network—partnership with National Influenza Centres for disease monitoring

Avian Influenza Bird Flu—viral disease of birds Doesn’t affect humans, but H5N1—caused serious infections—associated with direct or indirect contact with infected poultry outbreak in Hong Kong, China, and other Asian regions Failure of treatment—gastrointestinal failure—no drug absorption Likely chance of pandemic—circulates in poultry populations/no immunity

Swine Flu Most swine flu infection have been mild—but 2009 pandemic shows the possibility of massive spread Unique—pigs become infected from variety of strains— they act as “mixing vessel” and create new influenza virus.