Viruses, Killer

Viruses have plagued humans and created global havoc for as long as recorded history. Smallpox, measles, influenza, and HIV are among the most notorious killer viruses that have spread worldwide and taken a tremendous toll on human life, and in so doing have helped to shape the current genetic makeup of our population. With advances in vaccine technology, we have been able to control some of these viruses, such as smallpox (which has been eradicated), or at least contain infections to localized areas making treatment more feasible, ultimately avoiding pandemics. However, with increased global interactions and travel, isolation of some of these killer viruses is virtually impossible. This was evident with the 2002–2003 outbreak of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus, which was spread from one locale to the next via airplane travel.

Viral transmission can stress the populace and governments, particularly in low-income areas of the world that lack adequate health care infrastructure. This heavy burden is not only felt in the health care sector but also plays a large role in the overall economy, as the cost of doing business in some plagued areas is too high for most businesses to risk. This can result in a marked isolation from the global economic community, preventing further development and growth. The developed nations are not left unscathed from this socioeconomic crisis in that they have a monetary and a humanitarian obligation to assist these disadvantaged populations.

In addition to globalization, global warming has played a role in increasing viral transmission rates. Many viral families utilize vectors like mosquitoes for transmission. With increased temperature and other climate changes, the breeding grounds for many of these vectors have flourished as their available niches expand. In turn, these vectors are now allowed to spread viral infections to [Page 1741]areas that have no prior immunity in the population, allowing for enhanced interpersonal transmission. Lastly, increases in temperature have affected the agricultural communities of many developing nations. This has caused a rapid influx of migrants to city areas. This migration brings with it not only overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions but also the vectors carrying disease. Cities crowded with people are perfect arenas for some of these killer viruses to unleash their fury. To understand the threat some of these viruses pose to the global community, it is first necessary to understand what a virus is and how viruses survive.