The Adaptive Parasite Essay -- Viruses Virus Essays

The Adaptive Parasite Viruses are molecular sharks, a motive without a mind. They have sorted themselves into tribes, and they infect everything that lives. . . . Unknown viruses are coming out of the equatorial wildernesses of the earth and discovering the human race. . . . You might call AIDS the revenge of the rainforest. (Preston 160-61) After reading Richard Preston's ominous and threatening portrayal of viruses in his article "Crisis In The Hot Zone," one may be alarmed enough to invest in surgical scrubs and a space suit to wear as a permanent precaution against these evidently vengeful creatures. In truth, there are lethal viruses that exist for which there is currently no vaccine or cure, and there are various emerging viruses that are infectious to humans. However, despite this unfortunate and frightening reality, Richard Preston and other creative writers may be presenting a misleading depiction of a virus' actual niche within the global ecosystem, modes of infection, and relationship with humans. Science fiction novels and movies like "Outbreak" encourage the public to view viruses as microscopic monsters that exist to ultimately put an end to the human population, but viruses are not motivated by either logic or instinct to kill. In fact, viruses are not motivated at all. They have merely evolved to surv ive by utilizing the raw materials that the ecosystem provides. Viral pathogens have developed, through the selective process of evolution, to exist as parasites, and the inevitable ecological interaction between organisms, the ignorance and negligence of human behavior, and the cultural habits and customs of humanity has enabled a multitude of viruses to emerge and thrive within our population. V... ...S, we cannot expect to eliminate promiscuity or drug use; however, we can encourage protected sex and the use of clean needles. In addition, it would not be wise to eliminate the scientific advances provided by laboratory research on various animals or the benefits of constructing a dam or canal. However, we could, for example, take measures to control the massive propagation of mosquitoes in the event of the construction of a dam or canal. This relatively simple precaution will reduce the occurrence of diseases, such as Rift Valley fever and Yellow Fever, and may save thousands of lives. Although it is virtually impossible to completely prevent viruses from infecting humans, humanity's best defense against viral invasion is communication, education, and awareness to promote cautious behavior and to reduce the number of further outbreaks of deadly viruses.