The Unseen Threat: 30 Years of Unveiling Infectious Diseases
A journey into the world of emerging infections.
The world of infectious diseases is a captivating yet often terrifying realm, and one publication has been at the forefront of exploring this domain for three decades. Emerging Infectious Diseases, a peer-reviewed open-access journal, has been the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) platform to shed light on the unseen threats that lurk in the shadows of our global health landscape.
But here's where it gets intriguing: when the journal began in 1995, the term 'emerging infections' was relatively unknown. Even the CDC's own director, David Satcher, acknowledged the ongoing identification of new infectious diseases with uncertain long-term impacts in the inaugural issue. This sets the stage for a fascinating journey, one that owes much to the visionary Dr. Joshua Lederberg.
Dr. Lederberg, a Nobel laureate, recognized the multifaceted nature of emerging infections, from the molecular to the global. His collaboration with Robert Shope led to a groundbreaking report in 1992, which not only defined emerging infections but also recommended strategies to tackle them. This report was a response to the growing concerns of the time, including the HIV/AIDS pandemic, rising tuberculosis cases, antimicrobial resistance, and the threat of pandemic influenza.
A journal is born.
Emerging Infectious Diseases was established as a quarterly publication, with a unique mission. The founding editors envisioned it as a means to communicate science to the interdisciplinary public health community, emphasizing the urgency of disseminating emerging disease information. This approach set the journal apart, focusing on accessibility and relevance for frontline public health practitioners.
The journal's early years featured review articles that provided essential insights into emerging diseases and their management. These articles were kept concise, a feature appreciated by the target audience but sometimes challenging for contributing authors. Despite this, several early articles have become highly cited classics, covering topics like biofilms, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance.
Controversy and impact.
The journal's impact skyrocketed in 2001 with two pivotal publications. A special issue on West Nile virus and a fast-tracked report on bioterrorism-related inhalational anthrax cases brought emerging infections to the forefront of public health discourse. This led to a monthly publication schedule and a surge in submissions, with the journal embracing an online submission and peer-review system.
The journal's success is evident in its consistent ranking in the top 10% of various categories by major citation evaluation institutions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge, with a massive increase in submissions and publications, highlighting the journal's adaptability and relevance.
Art meets science.
In a unique twist, the journal began featuring cover art in 1997, initially scientific illustrations, and later showcasing diverse artwork. This practice, which continues today, has garnered a niche following, with readers appreciating the beautiful covers that contrast with the often-dismal content. The art serves to humanize the scientific material, reflecting the impact of infectious diseases on people and animals throughout history and across cultures.
Engaging readers.
Two popular features, Etymologia and Photo Quizzes, have become reader favorites. Etymologia, initially filler content, evolved into a captivating exploration of word origins, engaging readers with the history behind scientific terms. Photo Quizzes, meanwhile, present portraits of influential scientists, offering a glimpse into the past while educating the next generation of public health professionals.
Looking ahead.
The continued emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases, coupled with pandemic threats, underscore the enduring relevance of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Its focus on prevention and public health extends beyond clinical medicine, encompassing veterinary and environmental spheres. With the periodic appearance of new infectious diseases, from avian influenza to Zika, the journal's mission remains as crucial today as it was 30 years ago.
And this is the part most people miss—the journal's journey is a testament to the power of scientific communication and collaboration. It invites us to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in the ever-evolving field of infectious diseases. What do you think? Is the journal's approach to engaging readers through art and history effective? Do you believe its mission is as relevant today as it was three decades ago? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
