Fatal Jump: Tracking the Origins of Pandemics

Exploring the fateful chains of events that gave rise to humanity's infectious diseases and pandemics, including how African-originated monkeypox left its home continent, why COVID-19 could threaten measles control, and how pigs' fondness for mangoes enabled the deadly Nipah virus to spread. Drawing from the latest research, the book spans a diverse range of disciplines and reorients our perspective on pandemics from a human-centered standpoint to the bigger picture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 520 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Why do global pandemics materialize? To address this question, we must delve into the world of pathogens that transcend their original host species and jump into new ones. Most pathogens fail to initiate infection or spread in the population when they jump. Only a few sustain onward chains of transmission, and even fewer sustain these indefinitely. Yet the rare pathogens that do make the leap have caused many of humanity's most dangerous infectious diseases.

In Fatal Jump: Tracking the Origins of Pandemics, veterinary disease ecologist Dr. Leslie Reperant investigates mysteries such as how African-originated monkeypox left its home continent, why COVID-19 could threaten measles control, and how pigs' fondness for mangoes enabled the deadly Nipah virus to spread. She shares behind-the-scenes insights into hugely destructive pathogens carried by rats, bats, ticks, and mosquitoes, as well as lesser-known vectors such as prairie dogs and camels. Drawing from the latest research, she discusses whether we can predict these deadly jumps before they happen and what factors—including environmental change, population dynamics, and molecular evolution—enable a zoonotic disease to reach full pandemic status. Rich with recent scientific discoveries and emerging theories, this book spans a diverse range of disciplines, weaving their insights into a holistic view of infectious disease.

With new pathogens emerging at an alarming pace, Fatal Jump reorients our perspective on pandemics from a human-centered standpoint to the bigger picture. We will understand what actions are necessary to control emergence only by recognizing the increasingly global nature of human society and the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

The origins of pandemics can be traced back to the interactions between pathogens and their hosts. Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease in animals, plants, and humans. When a pathogen jumps from one host species to another, it can introduce new genetic material and adaptations that make it more capable of spreading and causing disease.

One of the most well-known examples of a pathogen jumping from one host species to another is the HIV/AIDS pandemic. HIV is a virus that primarily infects cells in the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections. In the early 1980s, HIV was first identified in humans in Africa. However, it is believed that HIV originated in primates, such as monkeys and chimpanzees, in West Central Africa.

HIV spread from primates to humans through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. Over time, HIV evolved and became more adapted to humans, leading to the development of different strains and subtypes. The first cases of HIV/AIDS in the United States were reported in the early 1980s, and the pandemic has since spread to almost every country in the world.

Another example of a pathogen jumping from one host species to another is the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that primarily infects cells in the respiratory system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in 2019. It is believed that SARS-CoV-2 originated in bats, which are a natural host for the virus.

SARS-CoV-2 spread from bats to humans through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as saliva and respiratory droplets. The virus quickly spread throughout China and then to other parts of the world, causing a global pandemic that has killed millions of people.

There are many factors that can contribute to the emergence of pandemics. One of the most important is the movement of people and animals across borders. As people travel more frequently and to more remote locations, they are more likely to come into contact with new pathogens that they have not been exposed to before. This can lead to the spread of disease and the emergence of new pandemics.

Another factor that can contribute to the emergence of pandemics is environmental change. Climate change, deforestation, and other environmental factors can alter the habitats of pathogens and their hosts, making it easier for them to spread and interact with each other. This can lead to the emergence of new diseases and the spread of existing diseases to new areas.

Population dynamics can also contribute to the emergence of pandemics. As populations grow and become more densely populated, they are more likely to come into contact with each other, making it easier for diseases to spread. This can lead to the emergence of new diseases and the spread of existing diseases to new areas.

Molecular evolution can also contribute to the emergence of pandemics. As pathogens evolve and become more adapted to their hosts, they can become more capable of spreading and causing disease. This can lead to the emergence of new diseases and the spread of existing diseases to new areas.

In conclusion, the origins of pandemics can be traced back to the interactions between pathogens and their hosts. Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease in animals, plants, and humans. When a pathogen jumps from one host species to another, it can introduce new genetic material and adaptations that make it more capable of spreading and causing disease. There are many factors that can contribute to the emergence of pandemics, including the movement of people and animals across borders, environmental change, population dynamics, and molecular evolution. By understanding these factors and taking steps to prevent the spread of disease, we can reduce the risk of pandemics and protect the health and well-being of people around the world.

Weight: 950g
Dimension: 164 x 237 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421446363