Viruses have a long history in human (and animal) infections, demonstrated by the numerous pandemics they have caused since the time before Christ (430 BC) until recent years. Although medical advances have resulted in a global shift from infectious to non-communicable diseases, the progression is disparate, with the Sub-Saharan African region still significantly suffering from a high infectious disease burden, including those caused by viruses. The environmental presence of viruses is particularly important within the African context, where the relationship between people and their natural environment is deeply intertwined, with traditional beliefs often emphasising a spiritual connection to nature and a holistic view of the world. Thus, this chapter focuses on the role of the environment as a reservoir and transmission route of viruses in Africa. It provides an overview of the viral disease burden in Africa, the various environmental reservoirs of these viruses (focusing on water, soil and air), and the public health implications of this environmental dimension of viruses within the continent. The chapter concludes by providing some suggestions for preventing this route of transmission.

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Environmental Reservoirs of Viral Infections in Africa

  • Akebe Luther King Abia,
  • Therese Mulyangote,
  • Etando Ayukafangha

摘要

Viruses have a long history in human (and animal) infections, demonstrated by the numerous pandemics they have caused since the time before Christ (430 BC) until recent years. Although medical advances have resulted in a global shift from infectious to non-communicable diseases, the progression is disparate, with the Sub-Saharan African region still significantly suffering from a high infectious disease burden, including those caused by viruses. The environmental presence of viruses is particularly important within the African context, where the relationship between people and their natural environment is deeply intertwined, with traditional beliefs often emphasising a spiritual connection to nature and a holistic view of the world. Thus, this chapter focuses on the role of the environment as a reservoir and transmission route of viruses in Africa. It provides an overview of the viral disease burden in Africa, the various environmental reservoirs of these viruses (focusing on water, soil and air), and the public health implications of this environmental dimension of viruses within the continent. The chapter concludes by providing some suggestions for preventing this route of transmission.