How urbanization affects the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases

Neiderud, Carl-Johan

Today's megacities are very heterogeneous with large slum settlements, which lead to challenges for overall health and health care in the community. Within one large urban setting, there can be huge differences in health conditions depending on where you live. In general, the urban health is better, but in some areas, it can actually be worse compared to certain rural environments (8) . Of the estimated 3 billion people living in urban centres, about one-third live in slum areas (9) . The ever-changing environment of cities has made certain infectious diseases both emerge and re-emerge. Pathogens which adapt to urban environments from rural settings can spread in a more rapid manner, and be a greater burden to the health care services (2) . This review article examines the urban world and how the current rapid urbanization around the world is affecting the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases. Currently the most rapid growth in urban population is taking place in the developing countries, and poses many different challenges compared to traditional highincome countries. This review focuses on these growing regions and their implications and how emerging infectious diseases affect the community.