1. Combating Wide-Spread Illness: 1918-2016
1918: Spanish Flu Pandemic
Suspected to have originated from the military/hospital camp at Etaples, France. Estimated to have killed million people (3-5% of the world population) and is considered one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. Due to the rate of infection, quarantine measures and travel restrictions were taken to prevent the spread. Aside from treating the pneumonia symptoms, there was little that else that could be done. By November of 1918, the disease seemed to simply die out on its own.
2009: H1-N1 “Swine Flu”
A mutated strain of influenza that bypassed seasonal flu protection, the effects were noticeably less lethal than previous strains and could often go without treatment. Regardless, it has resulted in nearly 14,000 deaths due to complications. As with the “Asian Flu,” the Swine flu was treated via vaccine. Travel advisories were put in place, though restrictions were not.
Commuters taking preventative measures against the Swine Flu
Hospital Ward at Camp Funston, Kansas
2015-Present: Zika Virus
First discovered in 1947, the Zika Virus has predominantly been found in Africa. As of March 2016, the virus has spread across Asia and into the Americas. While no deaths have been attributed to it yet, it has caused complications in pregnancies. While it can spread from person to person, the primary method of infection is by a bite from a “Yellow Fever” mosquito. Current prevention measures include insecticide sprays in major cities to kill the mosquitos.
: H2-N2 “Asian Flu”
Derived from Influenza A “Bird Flu,” it was first identified in Guizhou, China, where it spread to Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States by Estimated to have killed 1-4 million people. Despite the number of deaths, the spread was relatively small due to the quick development of an effective vaccine. There was a brief resurgence of the disease from in Hong Kong.
Aedes aegypti mosquito
a.k.a. Yellow Fever Mosquito
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Robert Strider is a graduate student working on his Masters of Science in Geography and specializing in GIS.