Starting on September 23, 2024, the past few summer months have seen what seems like a relentless surge in infectious diseases, from avian influenza and mpox to dengue and eastern equine encephalitis, sparking widespread media attention and public concern. Apoorva Mandavilli, a senior journalist specializing in science and global health, explores whether this perceived increase in outbreaks is as significant as it seems, or whether increased public awareness is playing a role.
Throughout the United States, vectors such as mosquitoes have transmitted diseases such as dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus. While dengue has shown notable incidences, other diseases such as malaria and Eastern equine encephalitis have not seen large outbreaks, suggesting that the intense focus on these diseases may be more related to increased vigilance than an actual increase in cases.
Globally, diseases such as Oropouche fever have had a significant impact in South America, while mpox has continued to affect regions in Africa. At the same time, the persistent threat of avian influenza evolving into a pandemic remains a critical concern for health authorities worldwide.
Mandavilli, who contributed to the Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the pandemic in 2021, delves into these complex questions, asking whether the increase in reported cases is due to an actual increase in the prevalence of the disease or to a new societal focus on global health threats, amplified by recent pandemic experiences.