China has experienced several severe outbreaks of influenza over the past century: 1918, 1957, 1968, and 2009.
In Bangladesh, several severe outbreaks of NiV encephalitis in humans were documented starting from the early 2000s, with case fatality rates about 70 90%.
A few weeks after these rains, severe outbreaks of malaria and Rift Valley fever (RVF) were reported in several oases (graret) of the Adrar region.
While STEC O157 H7 has been responsible for the most severe outbreaks worldwide, non-O157 serotypes have emerged as important enteric pathogens in several countries.
During severe outbreaks, insecticidal treatments and heat sterilization are used to delouse clothing.
Both improved sanitation and immunization have dramatically reduced the number of severe outbreaks in domestic animals and in humans.
Right now, scientists can do little medically to fight the pathogen, which was responsible for two severe outbreaks last fall, one from contaminated bagged spinach and a second from tainted lettuce served in chain taco restaurants.
The most reasonable response for individual citizens is to demand that the government improve its intelligence capabilities and implement rational health policies that strengthen the nation's ability to cope with severe outbreaks of disease, whether natural or manmade.
"If you look back to the severe outbreaks of the disease in the 1950's, 60's and 70's in Africa and the Middle East," Dr. Petersen said, "the severe disease was uncommon".
Nevertheless, no severe outbreaks of A. marginale infection occurred among vaccinated herds in this endemic region.
Severe outbreaks can cause significant changes in tree species composition, age structure, and fuel conditions over broad areas.
