As our understanding of these and other infections grew, we were able to make structural changes to water and sanitation systems and advances in vaccine technology that significantly decreased the occurrence of these diseases to the point of being distant memories.
And yet, in 2016, infectious diseases remain a serious concern. The question is: Why are they still a threat?

Globally, we see some common themes that explain their spread. Climate change and global warming result in the expansion of geographic areas hospitable to the hosts of diseases such as West Nile and Lyme (mosquitos and ticks, respectively) while international travel and trade has been a path for infectious diseases including SARS and the last influenza pandemic.

The re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough underscores the importance of ensuring our children receive their vaccinations on time, every time.

Then there is tuberculosis — for which there is no vaccine. This disease is relatively rare in southern Canada, but pervasive in many northern and remote First Nations and Inuit communities because of substandard housing and over-crowding.

Then there is tuberculosis — for which there is no vaccine. This disease is relatively rare in southern Canada, but pervasive in many northern and remote First Nations and Inuit communities because of substandard housing and over-crowding.

Similarly, in other populations, the rates of sexually transmitted infection — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis among others — continue to increase while simple precautions could limit their spread.

So what can be done?

As a society, we need to take action to ensure access to the necessary childhood and adult vaccinations, and take steps to address the big issues such as climate change and income disparity. All Canadians —regardless of race or economic status — should be able to achieve their full health potential. If they don’t, the resulting human and financial costs will grow exponentially. For example, while the cost of treating a single patient with Lyme disease may be estimated at only $3,000 if they were diagnosed early, the physical and psychological costs for the person living with the disease that was not diagnosed early, are incalculable. We also need to ensure surveillance systems to track these illnesses are in place across Canada, around the world, and especially in remote locations.

Individually, we need to guard against complacency and the false notion that as Canadians we are immune to infectious disease. From taking simple precautions to avoid diseases like West Nile or Lyme, to having frank conversations with our sexual partners, we all have a role to play in preserving our health and well-being.

While the face of infectious diseases has and will continue to change, we know what needs to be done to protect and promote our health and well-being. We just have to do it.