Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around identifying the top 10 emerging diseases in the US and worldwide. Participants explore definitions of emerging diseases, share examples, and debate the classification of specific diseases like AIDS.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks a definitive list of the top 10 emerging diseases in the US and globally.
- Another participant argues that AIDS should not be classified as an emerging disease due to its long history.
- A different participant provides a definition of emerging diseases, suggesting that AIDS could fit if it is considered to be reemerging or changing.
- Some participants question what "recently" means in the context of disease emergence, noting that AIDS has been known for over 40 years.
- There is a discussion about the timeline of AIDS, with references to its identification in the 1980s and earlier cases traced back to the 1950s.
- One participant mentions chronic active hepatitis C and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as examples of emerging diseases, linking them to current health trends.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach consensus on whether AIDS qualifies as an emerging disease, with multiple viewpoints presented regarding its classification and historical context. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the criteria for defining emerging diseases.
Contextual Notes
Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and timelines associated with emerging diseases, highlighting the complexity of categorizing diseases based on historical and current perspectives.