Mapping Emerging Diseases (broadcast Friday, February 22nd, 2008)

A world map highlighting hotspots of zoonoses, diseases that pass from animals to humans. image copyright Nature

Outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola, SARS, HIV and avian influenza are on the rise around the world, researchers report this week in the journal Nature. By assembling data collected over decades from hundreds of different disease outbreaks, researchers have mapped out likely 'hot spots' for the development of emerging infectious diseases. The team found that the developing world was a key development ground for new diseases, especially in areas in which humans and animals come in very close contact.

"These maps show that the key threat to public health is where human population growth and wildlife diversity clash," said Peter Daszak, one of the authors of the report. We'll talk about the threat of outbreaks of diseases such as SARS and Ebola, and what action should be taken to help protect against future disease outbreaks. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.