The year 2019 saw the emergence of COVID 19 worldwide, an epidemic responsible for millions of deaths. This event gave rise to a great deal of inaccurate or false information circulating through the media and social networks. In this context, where misinformation played a particularly prominent role, it is important to shed light on zoonoses—diseases transmitted by animals. Although Covid brought them into particular focus, it was not a unique event. Throughout history, the world’s population has been affected by zoonoses on numerous occasions, including the many plague epidemics of Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, and the various Ebola outbreaks in Afrique over the past 20 years. Unfortunately, the risk of a new zoonosis emerging or re-emerging is highly likely. More recently, Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, and the emergence of locally acquired dengue cases in mainland France have once again sounded the alarm about a potential global epidemic caused by a zoonosis. Zoonoses account for 60% of infectious diseases worldwide and 75% of emerging diseases. Clearly, this phenomenon is not confined to the past. This exhibition explores the diversity of pathogens responsible for zoonoses, including viruses, bacteria, and parasitic worms. It also covers topics such as the diseases they cause, their modes of transmission, the concept of reservoirs, and how they evolve over time. It is also an opportunity to revisit the major pandemics throughout history and raise awareness of the factors behind their emergence and spread, helping to better prevent new zoonoses. Comprising panels accompanied by numerous videos, this traveling exhibition is designed to raise awareness among a broad audience. The year 2019 saw the emergence of COVID 19 worldwide, an epidemic responsible for millions of deaths. This event gave rise to a great deal of inaccurate or false information circulating through the media and social networks. In this context, where misinformation played a particularly prominent role, it is important to shed light on zoonoses—diseases transmitted by animals. Although Covid brought them into particular focus, it was not a unique event. Throughout history, the world’s population has been affected by zoonoses on numerous occasions, including the many plague epidemics of Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, and the various Ebola outbreaks in Afrique over the past 20 years. Unfortunately, the risk of a new zoonosis emerging or re-emerging is highly likely. More recently, Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, and the emergence of locally acquired dengue cases in mainland France have once again sounded the alarm about a potential global epidemic caused by a zoonosis. Zoonoses account for 60% of infectious diseases worldwide and 75% of emerging diseases. Clearly, this phenomenon is not confined to the past. This exhibition explores the diversity of pathogens responsible for zoonoses, including viruses, bacteria, and parasitic worms. It also covers topics such as the diseases they cause, their modes of transmission, the concept of reservoirs, and how they evolve over time. It is also an opportunity to revisit the major pandemics throughout history and raise awareness of the factors behind their emergence and spread, helping to better prevent new zoonoses. Comprising panels accompanied by numerous videos, this traveling exhibition is designed to raise awareness among a broad audience.
Source: Nantes Métropole