Annual recap: 4 zoonosis infections that were prevalent in 2024 and how we fared

Annual recap: 4 zoonosis infections that were prevalent in 2024 and how we fared

New Delhi: In this millennium, the deadliest outbreak that humankind was faced with was the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis that kicked off in 2020 and threatened millions globally was a highly contagious infection that spread simply by touch or even by breathing too close to a Covid-positive person. Over the years, new strains of the same were discovered, each deadlier than the previous, until a milder variant known as Omicron was detected. Although the same has reached an endemic stage, other infections took a deadlier form and threatened mankind this year. From monkeypox (also known as mpox) to bird flu (H5N1), many infections made a comeback this year and not in the most pleasant way still. Read on to learn about 4 such infections that returned in 2024, stronger.

H5N1: Bird flu has been prevalent for a while now. However, it suddenly got too serious in 2024 infecting many and also reaching India. A more infectious version of the same spread across the US this year and allowed the pathogen to evolve and further infect many. It reached dairy and poultry too in April earlier this year further threatening humans. 52 cases were reported and 26 were among dairy farm workers in California. They were the perfect examples of animal-to-human transmission. Some workers tested positive in Washington and reported upper respiratory symptoms. But none were hospitalised.
Monkeypox: Monkeypox or mpox is an infectious viral disease that often spreads through close contact and men are most prone to it. So far, two types of the same have been detected known as clades I and II, and they were historically found in Central and West Africa. In January 2024, its outbreaks were called a public health emergency with 517 deaths reported. In India, the first case was reported in Kollam, Kerala in July 2022. In March 2024, the last case was reported in the same state. A total of 30 lab-confirmed cases were reported in India – 15 in Kerala and 15 in New Delhi.
Dengue: Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, wreaks havoc during the monsoon season. However, in 2024, the situation was twice as bad as the case count as of November in the national capital itself crossed the 4000-mark. Among these, three died due to complications associated with the vector-borne disease. The conditions are yet to be ascertained this year for better or for worse.
Malaria: Malaria, too, showed up again this year as a deadly infection to be concerned about. However, on the bright side, 44 countries and one territory were declared malaria-free by the WHO as of November 2024. A vaccine, too, is currently in trials for the infection known as RH5.1/Matrix-M. The vaccine is immunogenic and offers promising efficacy according to the phase 2b clinical trials in African children. In India, too, the incidence of malaria cases has dipped as per the WHO, as per a Wednesday report. In 2023, the caseload was reduced by 69% as compared to 2017.
 Monkeypox or mpox is an infectious viral disease that often spreads through close contact and men are most prone to it. So far, two types of the same have been detected known as clades I and II, and they were historically found in Central and West Africa.  Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare