Flood-associated disease outbreaks and transmission in Southeast Asia - Introduction 16
Authors: Boonfei Tan 1
Source: Frontiers
Photo/Image Source: Unsplash
\
Besides bacterial and viral etiologies, protozoan pathogens are an overlooked dimension to flood-associated disease risks. While some Cryptosporidium and Giardia species infect only humans, others are zoonotic and may be acquired through contact with animals, including pets (Ryan et al., 2021). In Asia and SEA, outbreaks caused by Cryptosporidium and Giardia are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all reported protozoan-related outbreaks (Bourli et al., 2023; Lim and Nissapatorn, 2017). Oocysts have been detected in surface waters, recreational and environmental sources, as well as in sewage (Lim and Nissapatorn, 2017; Masangkay et al., 2020) across several AMS, with low counts (0.06 ± 0.19 oocyst/L) also found in treated drinking water in the Philippines (Kumar et al., 2016). Practices such as open defecation, application of untreated human waste as fertilizer, and reliance on shallow wells (Nasim et al., 2022; Lam et al., 2015; Pham-Duc et al., 2013; Humphries et al., 1997) can keep pathogens in circulation. The global spread of the seventh cholera pandemic, traced by comparative genomic analysis to Sulawesi, Indonesia in 1961, illustrates how quickly such pathogens can proliferate once established (Luo et al., 2024). In effect, persistence of anthroponotic pathogens in both rural and urban settings can be sustained by human practices, with low-level transmission continuing until cross-contamination or flooding triggers large-scale outbreaks (Figure 1).
Help START: Shidonna Raven Garden Cook KIDS = Just for Kids and Parents
How can you cook year around with the environment in mind?
Share the wealth of health with your colleagues and friends by sharing this article with 3 people today.
If this article was helpful to you, donate to the Shidonna Raven Garden and Cook E-Magazine Today. Thank you in advance.
Comments