# 1082
As I've pointed out in the past, such as in It isn't Just Bird Flu, the world is faced with a growing number of emerging infectious diseases. While influenza viruses have the greatest pandemic potential, there are other pathogens that could create a global crisis as well.
New Diseases Threaten the World's Economies, Security, UN Says
By Christopher Elser
Aug. 23 (Bloomberg) -- New infectious diseases are appearing more rapidly than ever and threaten to undercut global economic growth and security, the World Health Organization said.
Governments can prevent the spread of epidemics by preparing and cooperating instead of trying to close borders and isolate themselves, the Geneva-based WHO said today in its annual report. HIV, SARS, Ebola fever and pandemic influenza are threats, as are terrorist attacks and industrial accidents, the agency said.
One or more new infectious illnesses have been detected each year since 1970, and many ailments are becoming treatment- resistance, the WHO said. With 2.1 billion people a year traveling by air, diseases can spread rapidly. Manmade disasters such as nuclear accidents or terrorism must also be monitored globally, the agency said. Countries should share data to develop vaccines or treatments and alert health agencies to outbreaks.
