COVID-19 was one of the most significant global outbreaks of all time, forcing people into a state of lockdowns and changing our way and perception of life. While we've come a long way from it and have largely returned to pre-pandemic life, disease outbreaks continue to occur, with some proving even more concerning and long-lasting.
As we approach the end of 2024, here's a look back at the top ten disease outbreaks of the year and everything you need to know about them.
Also Read: Mpox Virus Can Be Halted, Brought Under Control: WHO Secretary General
Oropouche Virus Disease
Oropouche Virus Disease, also called Oropouche fever, is caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV) that can cause fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, chills, nausea, vomiting, and rash. The disease primarily transmits to humans through the bite of Culicoides paraensis midges, a species of biting midges.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 1 January and 25 November 2024, 11,634 confirmed Oropouche cases, including two deaths, have been reported in the Region of the Americas, including Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, and the United States of America. Additionally, imported Oropouche cases have been reported in countries in the European Region.
Marburg Virus Disease
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rwanda's Health Ministry reported cases of Marburg virus disease, including infections among healthcare workers, on September 27, 2024. While additional reports followed, no new cases have been identified since October 30, 2024.
Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus, or Filoviridae, family. It is transmitted to humans through contact with fruit bats or their excreta and spreads among humans via direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
Also Read: Marburg Virus Outbreak: Is India At Risk? Symptoms, Spread, And How To Stay Safe
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
On September 5, 2024, the WHO was informed of a MERS-CoV case in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region. The patient, a 50–55-year-old male with underlying health conditions, had no known contact with camels and was not a healthcare worker.
MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus, which is transmitted between animals and people. It is a respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus called Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Avian Influenza A (H9N2) & A (H5N1) - Bird Flu
Avian influenza A(H5N1) and A(H9N2) are subtypes of the influenza virus that mainly affect birds but can occasionally infect humans. A(H5N1) is highly pathogenic and known for causing severe respiratory illness with a high fatality rate in humans, often linked to close contact with infected poultry. A(H9N2) is less severe and more commonly reported, with mild symptoms in humans.
As of June 13, 2024, the WHO confirmed the second human case of H9N2 bird flu in India. The first case was reported in Chongqing municipality, China, on September 4, 2024.
On November 4, 2024, the CDC confirmed 44 cases of A(H5N1) in the United States. The first human case was reported in Texas on April 1, 2024, and was linked to an outbreak in dairy cows. Other cases were reported in Michigan and Colorado.
Mpox
The CDC recently reported the first case of clade I Mpox in the United States, sharing that the patient returned from travel to an affected area and is recovering after seeking medical care.
Mpox, or monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. The two main types of Mpox are clade I and clade II. While clade I can cause severe illness and is linked to more deaths and is endemic to Central Africa, clade II tends to result in milder illness.
While the initial Mpox outbreak in 2022 primarily affected Europe and North America, the virus resurged in 2024, particularly in Africa. A new strain, Clade Ib, emerged in Central Africa, causing widespread illness and death, especially among children. The WHO declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.
Also Read: First Case Of Japanese Encephalitis Confirmed In Delhi: Know All About It
Chandipura Virus - India
According to reports, India experienced the largest Chandipura virus (CHPV) outbreak in 20 years in August, 2024.
"Between early June and 15 August 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India reported 245 cases of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), including 82 deaths (CFR 33%). Of these, 64 are confirmed cases of Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection. CHPV is endemic in India, with previous outbreaks occurring regularly," a report by the WHO read.
Chandipura virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae and is known to cause encephalitic illness, where the brain becomes inflamed, usually due to an infection.
Nipah Virus
Nipah virus is also a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. Infections from the nipah virus can be asymptomatic, but they can also range from acute respiratory infection to fatal encephalitis.
Between January 1 and February 9, 2024, two confirmed Nipah virus (NiV) cases were reported in Dhaka, Bangladesh, both fatal. Nipah outbreaks in Bangladesh are seasonal, often linked to consuming date palm sap between December and April, according to theWHO. WHO rates the national risk as moderate due to the disease's severity, limited treatment options, zoonotic transmission, and the lack of licensed vaccines.
Conclusion
As 2024 draws to a close, the year's disease outbreaks serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in global health. From zoonotic diseases like Nipah and Marburg to respiratory illnesses like MERS-CoV and avian influenza, these outbreaks emphasise the importance of strong healthcare systems, international cooperation, and public awareness. Despite advancements in medical technology, the need for research, prevention, and public health measures remains crucial to protect global health.