AIDS, Ebola and Ecosystem Destruction - 1995-06-15

 The emergence and spread of emerging infectious diseases such as AIDS and Ebola hemorrhagic fever are closely linked to the destruction of ecosystems. In particular, the destruction of tropical rainforests is believed to have contributed to the emergence of these viruses. As detailed in Richard Preston's book “Hot Zones,” tropical rainforests have been a reservoir for many unknown viruses, and because the viruses have been isolated in this rich biodiversity, they have had little impact on human communities.

However, rapid deforestation and land development in recent years have upset this natural balance, and viruses that were previously isolated from human society are increasingly infecting humans. The Ebola virus, in particular, is believed to have spread from animals living in tropical rainforests to humans, and the increased contact between animals and humans, the hosts of the virus, has led to outbreaks that have been fatal.

Similarly, the AIDS virus (HIV) is believed to have been introduced into human society from the African rainforest, where it was transmitted from chimpanzees, a type of monkey, to humans, and this transmission route is also believed to have been caused in part by ecological destruction. In Africa, deforestation has reduced wildlife habitats and increased hunting and eating of wild animal meat, which has increased the risk of transmission of the viruses to humans.

These viruses were once in equilibrium in nature, but the destruction of ecosystems has disrupted that equilibrium, allowing viruses to adapt to new environments and invade human communities. This process is triggered by the ongoing destruction of nature on a global scale, which in turn increases the risk of new outbreaks of infectious diseases.

In addition, the destruction of ecosystems alters the habitat of animals that serve as hosts for the virus, forcing them to move closer to human habitats. This can accelerate the spread of the virus and, as in the case of Ebola hemorrhagic fever, cause extensive damage before the infection is confirmed. The Ebola virus, in particular, is highly contagious and has a very high fatality rate, causing a serious humanitarian crisis each time an outbreak occurs.

In conclusion, the emergence of emerging infectious diseases such as AIDS and Ebola is inseparably linked to the destruction of ecosystems, and protection of the natural environment will continue to be essential for the prevention of these diseases. The imbalance of nature increases the likelihood that a series of unknown viruses will affect human society, and this is a major challenge in modern public health.