ABSTRACT
The health of the environment is inextricably linked to that of people. This chapter assesses the role of infectious diseases and health through the lens of public health and policy. These diseases are caused by organisms or pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and protozoa. The host–pathogen–environment triad represents a multifactorial relationship in which vectors, especially mosquitoes, play a critical role. The COVID-19 pandemic and recurring Ebola outbreaks exemplify the importance of the one health approach. In particular, African-Americans, Hispanic/LatinX, American Indians, and other minority groups suffered disproportionately from COVID-19 mortality. Pandemic monitoring and control bring to light the critical role of policy at the federal, U.S. state, territorial, and local levels as well as the importance of coordinating globally to protect vulnerable populations.
