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Chapter 4: Problem 6

Give some examples of human modifications of the environment that increase the risk of contracting an infectious disease.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Some examples of human modifications of the environment that increase the risk of contracting an infectious disease include deforestation, which can lead to zoonotic diseases by forcing animals into closer contact with humans; urbanization, which facilitates the rapid spread of infections in densely populated areas and can lead to respiratory and waterborne diseases; wetland destruction, which increases the population of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes; industrial agriculture, which contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the spread of infections like avian influenza and swine flu; and climate change, which alters the geographic distribution of infectious diseases by expanding the habitats of disease vectors.

Step by step solution

01

Example 1: Deforestation

Deforestation is the process of clearing large areas of forests and converting them into agricultural lands, urban areas, or industrial sites. This human activity has a significant impact on the environment and can increase the risk of infectious diseases. As we remove the natural habitat of various species, they are forced to relocate and come into closer contact with human populations. This can lead to the transmission of infections from animals to humans, known as zoonotic diseases. For example, deforestation has been associated with an increased risk of malaria, Lyme disease, and Ebola virus disease.
02

Example 2: Urbanization

Urbanization is the expansion of cities and towns, resulting in more people living in densely populated areas. This human modification of the environment increases the risk of infectious diseases by facilitating the rapid spread of infections among individuals living in close proximity to one another. Crowded living conditions and inadequate sanitation systems can increase the transmission of respiratory infections, such as tuberculosis, and waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery.
03

Example 3: Wetland Destruction

Wetlands are a vital part of the natural environment, providing habitat for various species, purifying water, and preventing flooding. However, when wetlands are drained or filled in for agricultural or urban development, their essential functions are disrupted, leading to increased risks of infectious diseases. The destruction of wetlands can result in an increase in the population of disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and malaria.
04

Example 4: Industrial Agriculture

The widespread use of industrial agriculture has led to the overuse of antibiotics in livestock, which has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These resistant bacteria can then be transferred from animals to humans, either directly through contact or indirectly through contaminated food or water. Additionally, overcrowded conditions in factory farms can give rise to infections that can spread across the globe, such as avian influenza and swine flu.
05

Example 5: Climate Change

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have led to climate change, which in turn alters the geographic distribution of infectious diseases. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change, the habitats of disease vectors (organisms that transmit pathogens) can expand, increasing the risk of infection. For example, warmer temperatures may allow disease-carrying mosquitoes to survive in previously inhospitable regions, spreading diseases such as Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya to new areas.

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