Zika And Ebola Virus Outbreaks Can Be Predicted Just By Observing Environmental Changes

A new study found that the outbreaks of fatal viruses like Zika and Ebola can be predicted by examining the changes happening in the environment. Identifying the changes occurring in the environment can prevent the deadly viruses' spread early on.

Preventing Zoonotic Transmission

Both Zika and Ebola have zoonotic origins or are animal-borne. The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University College London, examined changes in the climate, population growth and land use to understand how diseases transfer from animals to people, The Telegraph reported.

Kate Jones, a professor at UCL's Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment and ZSL, said the new model can help communities to prepare and respond to disease outbreaks before they reach their full and most dangerous potential. The research can aid the government in determining the impact of national or international policies including transforming grasslands into agricultural lands.

The changes made in animals' habitats can affect zoonotic transmission of diseases. According to Jones, the model can also help in recognizing the "impact of global change on many diseases at once, to understand any trade-offs that decision-makers may have to make," The Telegraph further reported.

Zika and Ebola may be the most well-known viruses worldwide, but more than 60 percent of emerging diseases are classified as zoonotic like the Rift Valley fever (from livestock) and Lassa fever (from rats). Experts predict that both Rift Valley and Lassa viruses will spread due to the environmental changes.

Organizations Are Bent On Fighting Zika, Ebola And Other Diseases

Governments, industries and philanthropic organizations are all working together to fight the Zika and Ebola outbreaks by developing radical technologies. Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann, the chief executive officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said the organization has developed an "aggressive strategic plan" and has invested beyond $36.7 billion in global health, development and U.S. education initiatives, according to The Wall Street Journal.

One of the discussions being carried out by global health leaders is how to speed up the creation of tools to fight contagious diseases that are rare or commonly target the poor population. Majority of epidemic diseases have no drug treatments or vaccines because manufacturers don't think they are stable sources of profits.

Desmond-Hellman said the foundation has teamed up with other companies to understand and control epidemic diseases. She said the combination of diagnostic tools, drugs and latest data-gathering materials can help boost public health structure and determine the best way to fight disease outbreaks. This approach is called precision public health, which is rooted in understanding the diseases' origins and how they spread.