Alaska medicine
-
Review
Emerging infectious diseases in Alaska and the Arctic: a review and a strategy for the 21st century.
Emergence of new, previously unknown, and drug-resistant infectious diseases pose a major threat to global health. The emergence of infectious diseases in Alaska and the Arctic parallels the resurgence of infectious diseases worldwide. ⋯ These target areas encompass a number of diseases of special concern in Alaska, such as drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, foodborne botulism, alveolar hydatid disease, viral hepatitis, Helicobacter pylori infections, Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteremia and meningitis, and infections of immunocompromised persons, pregnant women and newborns, and tourists. To address these and other emerging infectious disease issues, including the threat of bioterrorism in Alaska and the Arctic, future issues of Alaska Medicine will include updates on specific emerging infectious diseases for health care providers, clinical laboratory workers, and community public health professionals who form the front lines for recognizing, treating, and preventing emerging infectious diseases.