In our experience and understanding of previous outbreaks, we have learned that diseases never remain stagnant. Diseases once eradicated return, diseases evolve, and entirely new diseases emerge. We may not be able to stop the ongoing evolution of disease; however, we can further research these epidemics and provide adequate diagnoses and treatments as preventive measures. It is vital to identify pathogens that are at risk for spillover to prevent an outbreak from spiraling out of control. As a society, it is our duty to be vigilant and mitigate behaviors that put us at risk.

Viruses are continually advancing. However, unlike bacteria that can live and reproduce on their own, viruses occupy hosts. They invade species and diversify their range for survival (Spillover video). Their ability to jump species increases the vulnerability of spillover that much more prominent. Hence, the importance of zoonotic diseases. Once infected, casual contact can be the start of an epidemic with an explosive consequence. With the world consisting of millions of species, we are not short handed with the liabilities we face. It has become a growing global threat and accounts for various prominent diseases of the modern age. For example, the Nipah virus that had been widespread in Bangladesh. With a distinguished population of fruit bats, these creatures were culprits in the contamination of tree sap, a delicacy of sort, that quickly spread throughout the country (Spillover video).

Naturally, social and cultural issues also play a role in outbreaks. Primarily from the decisions and behaviors of humans. For instance, there have been debates between pro-vaccination vs. anti-vaccination. Questions on the risks and benefits of vaccination, including whether or not the act of getting vaccinated endangers the lives of others is commonly discussed. There have also been instances where vaccinations have caused allergic reactions and debilitating side effects, negatively affecting people. Thus, opening the floor for continuous debate on risk-benefit analysis (YouTube).

Since the 1900s, we have had a drastic increase in population growth. In dense throngs, pathogens spread easily and quickly develop resistance to drugs (Yong, 2018). Therefore, increases in globalization and densely populated areas pose a tremendous risk. Having the potential to spread explosively, it can quickly escalate from a local epidemic to a world-wide pandemic. For example, in 2003, a Chinese seafood seller hospitalized in Guangzhou passed sars to dozens of doctors and nurses, one of whom traveled to Hong Kong for a wedding. In a single night, he infected at least 16 others, who then carried the virus to Canada, Singapore, and Vietnam. Within six months, sars had reached 29 countries and infected more than 8,000 people (Yong, 2018).

Pathogens do not have boundaries. They do not have borders or political interests. Anything at an international level begins at a local level (Spillover video). With that being said, I find it difficult to believe that we are prepared for a large and sustained outbreak. Though we have been successful in creating new vaccines and have implemented various preventive measures to identify new pathogens, I believe that the world would have a difficult time in effectively containing an outbreak of such parameters. Essentially, we would have to react extremely quickly and activate all precautionary measures such as rapid detection, diagnosis, and treatment at a local level. However, because these outbreaks are typically generated in places where they are not capable of providing effective care, it is difficult to ‘cut it at the root.’ In conclusion, a weak health system anywhere poses a threat everywhere (Spillover video).