Research has it that migration is key in the spread of diseases. Be it migration of the infected host or the carrier of the pathogen. But as the world evolves, migration has become a necessity. Humanity for centuries has been plagued with numerous forms of diseases, most of which its true origin are still born of speculations. And as the world advances in science and technology, so does diseases.
In the last one hundred years, it has been a series of menacing illnesses affecting and infecting humanity, all having one thing in common;
- A conspicuous level of mortality rate.
- A high level of endurance.
Every disease that has affected humanity, till this day leaves strains of their existence. Even with the cure for some of them in circulation, yet we still suffer from them. They are like visitors that have come to stay, never to leave. From observation, one would notice that every few years, a new form of disease surfaces, claiming as many lives as it can until a vaccine or cure is discovered. Even after a cure or vaccine is discovered, these diseases are not completely eradicated, they still endure till this day.
Some prominent diseases that has affected humanity.
Malaria: This is a disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium spp. This disease is most severe in African countries and have killed millions of people . Malaria, when left untreated could degenerate to liver cirrhosis. It is transferred from one infected host to another by the carrier, mosquitoes’.
Leprosy: This is an uncommon disease that has secretly plagued humanity for centuries. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It is known to cause infertility and physical disability, in turn causes its host to be ostracized. This disease is still suffered in countries like China and India.
Tuberculosis. This is another silent but lethal disease, caused by the bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a disease that is associated with consistent coughing. It is highly communicable, and if left untreated could result in the death of its host.
Some other prominent diseases include; Small pox, Ebola virus, AIDS, Cancer, and now humanity’s most recent visitor, the corona virus.
Since the emergence of the corona virus, all sections of world economies have been greatly affected negatively. In a bid to indulge in practices like social distancing, most institutions are forced to offer their services online, causing those who cannot adjust to the new lifestyle to go out of business.
The frequent emergence of these new menacing diseases has sparked unusual questions. Some of the unusually asked questions are;
- Is humanity being tested?
- Is someone intentionally designing these diseases in order to control over population?
- Is this some kind of biological warfare?
- What will the next new disease be like?
- Would humanity someday face a zombie apocalypse, as we have frequently watched in the movies?
The answer to these questions are mostly speculations, but we cannot completely dismiss the idea that these diseases share a common goal, which is; ensuring the mortality of its host, also ensuring its longevity by constantly finding new hosts. All of these prominent diseases possess some level of specificity, a feature that makes them efficient killer diseases.
Our evolution to some extent, invites these diseases. We are constantly creating more favorable conditions for them to thrive. Over population, increased intake of processed food leading to ingested forms of chemicals in the form of additives, over consumption of hard drugs, exposure to high and harmful forms of radiations, bizarre forms of living and feeding lifestyle. All of these constantly plays key roles in deteriorating the body’s immune system and also affects nature.
Humanity has gradually learnt to weather the storm of the corona virus, as we have others in the past. But the idea of a new form of disease visiting humanity in the near future, is highly probable and cannot completely be dismissed.
Emmanuel Orindu.
Emmalase