1. Small pox- Although it has been declared to be eradicated if by change
it has been hidden for use as biological weapon…… It will be a Epidemic
and then Pandemic becauseThere is no herd immunity to protect its spread
today.There are no vaccines available anymore. Highly infective and
will take no time to spread.Mortality and morbidity associated with it
is very high.
2. VRSA and MRSA infections- The Notorious Staphylococcus aureus has always been a headache to a doctor. Rapid development of resistance to new antibiotics has left doctors with few expensive options. Methicillin resistant Staph and Vancomycin resistant Staph are common in settings of ICU patients and have been cause of mortality. The antibiotics effective against them are too expensive and you know the reason why they need to be kept expensive.
3. Dengue and Viral Encephalitis- These caused a serious problem in South
Indian region in last few years and is likely to trouble more in near
future. Since mortality and morbidity related to them is high they can
endanger population. Arthopod borne virus are likely tp trouble humans
more in coming decade. Read about Virus
4. Tuberculosis– The development of Drug resistance and failure to develop a
New Effective drug had left a huge gap in case of Tuberculosis.
Mycobacteria have now become resistant to 1st line drugs like Isoniazid,
Rifampicin which are the two most effective drugs for TB. MDR TB and
XDR TB have arised making Tuberculosis an old disease but a new
challenge. Moreover the rapid spread of HIV has made it even more
prevalent and more challenging. If no new drugs are developed, it is
very likely that TB will seriously trouble the human race.Severe form
Miliary TB. Recently Tuberculosis death is seen to overtake HIV death
occurring all over the world. TDR TB- Few cases of Total Drug Resistant
Tuberculosis have been reported . TDR is known lo lead to 100% death
and has no cure.
Miliary TB of lungs: Millet seeding
Miliary Tuberculosis of Lung : Typical “millet seed” lesions
5. Hepatitis– Unlike HIV , Hepatitis can be transmitted from body secretions like Sweat. Yes, Hepatitis B, C, D cases are likely to go up this decade even more. With ineffective treatment and high chance of transmission it has become a higher risk tha HIV for medical professionals. Chronic cases may end in Cirrhosis and cancer. Fulminant hepatitis is a dreaded sequel.
6. Influenza : The wonder virus is known to change its antigens frequently
and every three years interval there is a risk of Pandemic. Swine flu
and Bird flu have haunted People in the last few years. With high
infectivity rate and shortage of vaccines if Flu becomes pandemic ( air
borne) Human race might be at trouble once more.
7. Hospital Acquired Infections– Specially, Gram negative bacteria causing Pneumonia, Urinary tract infection and wound infection including sepsis in hospitalized patient is likely to become more hazardous in near future. With development of antibiotic resitance like MRSA,VRSA gram negative organisms will be a headache for humans.
8. Pychiatric disorders- The prevalence of mental illness in human population is more than we can imagine. Only tip of iceberg is revealed but more remains hidden due to social stigma and misconception. Depression, Hypertension and Anxiety disorders are likely to rise as more cities get urbanized. Alcoholism and Drug abuse is not likely to spare humans in near future.
9. Technology Induced health hazards- Lead batteries, Mobile frequencies, mercury instruments, Radiation hazards from Nuclear reactors, X rays, CT scans, Hospital wastes, Industry byproducts, air pollutants, water pollutants all are likely to cause more problem than we are expecting in near future. If Nukes go off , its another story or an end of a story.
