An old disease awakens

The transcript discusses the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases, highlighting how dormant diseases can re-emerge and cause global health emergencies. It emphasizes the need for future planning that considers the changing ways humans inhabit the planet, which provides new opportunities for microbial threats. The text also addresses the alarming link between mosquito bites during pregnancy and severe brain abnormalities in newborns, transforming the perception of certain diseases from mild to severe threats to global health.

What is a key lesson about infectious diseases mentioned in the first section?

• They are always predictable.

• Past experiences can always be relied upon.

• They can re-emerge unexpectedly.

• They are confined to their original locations.

How have changes in human habitation affected the microbial world?

• They have created new opportunities for diseases to emerge.

• They have reduced the spread of diseases.

• They have had no impact on diseases.

• They have eliminated all infectious diseases.

What is the main concern about the Zika virus during pregnancy?

• It leads to severe brain abnormalities in newborns.

• It has no effect on pregnancy.

• It causes mild fever in pregnant women.

• It only affects adults.

What transformation has the Zika virus undergone according to the third section?

• From a non-threatening virus to a beneficial one.

• From a severe disease to a mild one.

• From a mild disease to a significant global health threat.

• From a local disease to a non-existent one.

What was the public's reaction to the potential link between mosquito bites and brain abnormalities?

• Indifference.

• Alarm.

• Amusement.

• Skepticism.