Biological and public health emergencies (BPHE)

A biological emergency is one caused due to natural outbreaks of epidemics or the intentional use of biological agents (Viruses and microorganisms) or toxins through the dissemination of such agents in ways to harm the human population, food, crops, and livestock to cause outbreaks of disease.

Pandemics and Epidemics: Widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases. Example: The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019 and affected India and the world.

• Biological hazardous events may include severe economic and environmental losses.
• The Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa in 2013-2016, was the largest epidemic of its kind to date in the populations of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
• The outbreak of Zika virus infection in the Americas and the Pacific region is associated with congenital and other neurological disorders.
• Significant increase in diarrheal disease incidences following recurrent floods in most African countries or a significant increase following the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia and Thailand.
• Outbreaks of yellow fever in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda in 2016.
• Outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus (MERS CoV), an emerging disease identified in 2012.
• An outbreak of Sars Cov-2 COVID at the end of 2019.

States Prone:

• Epidemics and Infectious Diseases:    
  • Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West
  • Bengal: These densely populated states are often vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases like cholera, dengue, and viral fevers.
  • Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu: These states have urban centers where infectious diseases can spread quickly.
• Vector-Borne Diseases:
  • States with Tropical Climates (e.g., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra): Due to disease-carrying vectors, these regions are susceptible to diseases like malaria and dengue.
• Zoonotic Diseases:
  • States with High Agricultural Activity (e.g., Punjab, Haryana): Due to close contact with livestock, these states may be at risk of zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
• Tribal and Remote Areas:
  • States with Tribal Populations (e.g., Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, parts of Odisha): Remote and tribal areas can face unique public health challenges, including limited access to healthcare.
• Environmental Pollution:
  • Urban States and Cities (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata): High levels of air pollution in major cities can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular health emergencies.

Criteria to Declare:

1. Outbreak of Infectious Disease: A sudden outbreak or epidemic of a highly contagious or deadly infectious disease.
2. Spread Beyond Control: The outbreak spreads beyond the capacity for local healthcare and containment measures.
3. High Mortality or Morbidity: The disease causes a high rate of illness, severe illness, or death in the affected population.

Causes:

1. Natural, accidental, or deliberate dispersal of harmful agents into food, water, air, soil, or into plants, crops, or livestock.
2. Weapons of biological warfare and bioterrorism.

Way Forward:

1. Preventative measures such as proper sanitation, vaccination, and biosecurity protocols are essential in minimizing these risks.
2. Early detection, monitoring, and rapid response are crucial for mitigating the potential harm caused by biological hazards.
3. Public awareness and education also play a vital role in reducing exposure to biological hazards and ensuring the safety of individuals and communities.