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What is the current global catastrophe that poses a greater risk than nuclear war?
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A highly infectious virus.
What are the components necessary for a strong response system to outbreaks?
Strong health systems in poor countries, medical reserve corps, and partnerships with military for logistics and security.
Why should preparedness be a global priority according to the lecture?
To mitigate future epidemic impacts and ensure global health security.
What example suggests a lack of preparation for epidemics and needs for improvement?
The last germ simulation in the US was in 2001 and was not successful.
What kind of future viral threats are there and what historical virus serves as a strong example?
Future viruses might spread more easily through air or bioterrorism, with the Spanish Flu being an example as it killed over 30 million people.
Why is investment in epidemic preparedness described as a modest cost?
Because the investment helps avoid the enormous potential harm of a pandemic and improves global health equity and safety.
Why are simulations like 'germ games' essential for epidemic preparedness?
They help identify and address preparedness gaps.
What past event were people primarily concerned about when storing food and water for survival?
Nuclear war.
What is the potential economic impact of a flu pandemic according to the World Bank?
It could reduce global wealth by over three trillion dollars and cause millions of deaths.
What lesson from the Ebola outbreak emphasizes the need for better preparedness?
Ebola showed that the lack of a structured epidemic response system can lead to significant setbacks and health crises.
How could global health systems benefit from investments in epidemic preparedness?
Investment would enhance health equity and improve worldwide health safety standards.
What were some factors that helped prevent the wider spread of Ebola during the outbreak?
Heroic work by health workers, Ebola's non-airborne nature, and visible symptoms when contagious.
Which technological tools are crucial in building a response system for epidemics?
Cell phones and satellites for information flow and tracking.
What biological advancement is mentioned as instrumental for rapid pathogen response?
Adeno-associated virus.
Why were there no sufficient measures in place during the Ebola outbreak?
There was no structured system for dealing with epidemics, including lack of epidemiologists, timely reporting, medical teams, and treatment exploration.
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