The emergence of Covid-19 has increased the discussion of conditions arising from animals. Zoonotic diseases, also known as a zoonosis, are diseases transmitted by germs from animals to humans. The zoonotic diseases are caused by harmful germs such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Once these germs/pathogens enter the human body, they cause the development of illness. A worrying trend is the observation of the increasing number of zoonotic diseases. A study by CDC estimates that three in every four emerging diseases are infectious diseases and are transmitted from the animals to humans. Scientist argues that even healthy animals can carry germs that make humans sick.

Scientists have established the link between the destruction of nature and the emergence of zoonotic diseases. As humans encroach the natural ecosystems, the chances of transmission between animals and humans increase. Similarly, wet markets provide an increased opportunity for viruses and other pathogens to jump from animals to humans.

 Some examples of deadly zoonotic diseases include Ebola, Influenza, Covid-19, and SARS.

Ebola

           Ebola is an infectious disease that is caused by the Ebola virus, which is suspected of having originated from Central Africa. The Ebola virus disease was first identified in DRC in 1976. According to various studies, the Ebola virus originated from the gorillas and the chimpanzee. However, the CDC believes that the virus was transmitted through either infected bats or infected primates. It shifted from the primates to humans through human contact with infected blood fluids. The Ebola virus then spread from human to human by coming to close contact with the infected persons. 

           The common symptoms of Ebola virus diseases include muscle aches, sore throat, severe headaches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, impaired liver, and kidney functioning, and general weakness of the body. Other severe symptoms include the internal bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with internal bleeding cough up blood stains, vomiting blood, and there are bloodstains in their stools. This loss of blood and body fluids eventually causes deaths. However, if there is no internal bleeding, patients can recover between 7 and 14 days. According to the World Health Organization, the Ebola Virus disease has a fatality rate of 50% in some countries. In some areas, the fatality is as low as 25% or as high as 90% in stressful situations.

Influenza

           Influenza is an infectious disease caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. In 1918, Influenza became a global pandemic that killed approximately 50 million people within months. Influenza originated from birds and pigs and is said to have originated from South East Asia. Influenza spreads from person to person by breathing air droplets produced by infected persons. Also, the Influenza can be transmitted by touching germs from the objects and surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.

The symptoms of Influenza include common cold, sore throat, sneezing, headaches, aching muscles, persistent cough, nasal congestions, and fatigue. However, some populations may increase the risk factors for developing severe complications. For instance, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions are at risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and heart problems that eventually cause deaths. On the other hand, the young and healthy persons infected by the virus are likely to recover between 7 to 14 days.

           It can be prevented through annual vaccination against the flu. Other methods used to contain the spread of Influenza include washing hands, avoiding overcrowded places, and covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing.