Infectious Disease in the Age of Globalization

Abstract

This chapter explores the links between globalization and infectious diseases in relation to changes in four major spheres—economic, environmental, political and demographic, and technological. It highlights areas where the evidence suggests that processes of globalization have led to changes in the distribution, transmission rate, and, in some cases, management of infectious diseases.

Rethinking Urban Epidemiology: Natures, Networks and Materialities

“…The city of Hong Kong is here juxtaposed with—presumably rural—ecozones where flu viruses breed ‘cheek‐by‐jowl with farmers' (Watson, : 202). An underlying assumption, as similarly represented by public health officials (Fuller et al ., , Saker et al ., ), is that dangerous pathogens might suddenly emerge in the backyards of Southeast Asian farmers (for a critical network perspective, see Hinchliffe and Bingham, ).…”

“…When seeking to understand how urban environments are configured as areas at risk of infectious disease outbreaks, a good starting point is the examination of the concept of emergence itself. Emerging infections are increasingly problematized in the context of urbanization and globalization processes, as these are believed to accelerate the emergence, development and spread of infectious diseases (often illustrated with reference to empirical cases of SARS, avian flu and swine flu — see Alirol et al ., ; see also Saker et al ., ). By accepting this view of the emergence of infectious disease as a natural consequence of urbanization and globalization processes, we fail to see that the concept of emergence itself is only enacted within specific analytical frameworks.…”

Globalization and Child Health in Developing Countries: The Role of Democracy

“…HIV and SARS. This could be a particularly serious threat to developing countries where health systems are ill prepared to handle large-scale outbreaks of disease (Saker, Lee, & Cannito, 2007). Yet, Dollar (2001) argues that increased international cooperation and political integration on strategies to combat communicable diseases could be positive for child health in developing countries.…”

Emerging and Reemerging Influenza Virus Infections

“…25 Specifically, globalization combined with huge increases in intensive poultry production has facilitated spread and dissemination. Since 1970, poultry production has increased by 436%, more than 2.3 times and 7.5 times the growth of swine and beef production, respectively.…”