Imagine a world where infectious diseases emerge and spread, causing fear and uncertainty. This is the reality that the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) has been documenting for the past 30 years. A brave endeavor, but one that has faced its fair share of challenges and controversies.
In 1995, EID embarked on a mission to shed light on the unknown and the terrifying. At a time when the term "emerging infections" was unfamiliar, the journal's inaugural issue boldly declared the ongoing identification of new infectious diseases with unknown public health impacts. A bold statement indeed!
The late Dr. Joshua Lederberg, a visionary in his own right, recognized the need to address emerging infections from a molecular to a global scale. His work, along with that of prolific arbovirologist Robert Shope, led to a landmark report in 1992, defining and recommending strategies to tackle these infections. From the HIV/AIDS pandemic to antimicrobial resistance, their work highlighted the urgent need for action.
EID's early years focused on providing the public health community with the tools to understand and address emerging diseases. The journal's quarterly publication included many review articles, keeping the content concise and accessible. It was a bold move to make the journal open access from the get-go, ensuring that information was freely available to those who needed it most.
But here's where it gets controversial... EID's content, while highly specialized, could be seen as "terrifying and boring" by some. A 2010 anonymous commenter summed it up perfectly: "The covers are interesting, but the content is beyond me."
Despite this, EID's impact grew. In 2001, two articles brought extraordinary attention to emerging infections: a special issue on West Nile virus and a fast-track report on bioterrorism-related inhalational anthrax. These articles highlighted the journal's ability to respond to urgent public health concerns.
As submissions increased, EID transitioned to a monthly journal in 2002 and adopted an online submission and peer-review system. The journal's popularity soared, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it received nearly 5,000 article submissions in its first year alone!
Consistent leadership has been a key factor in EID's success, with only a handful of editors guiding the journal over the years. Its impact and influence are evident in its consistent ranking in the top 10% of major citation evaluation institutions.
But it's not just about the content. EID's cover art and images have become a unique feature, setting it apart from other journals. The practice of showcasing artwork and providing explanatory essays has gained a niche following among art and literary enthusiasts. Even with the discontinuation of hardcopy printing in 2020, the journal's cover images continue to engage and captivate its readership.
And this is the part most people miss... EID's cover images are more than just pretty pictures. They humanize the content, telling the stories of the ills that afflict people and animals across all human communities, cultures, and periods in history. It's a powerful way to connect with readers and remind them of the very real impact of emerging infections.
EID's popular features, like Etymologia and Photo Quizzes, add an element of fun and engagement. Etymologia, for example, started as simple filler material but quickly became a beloved section, engaging readers with the stories behind the names of organisms and words. Photo Quizzes, on the other hand, present brief historical essays, showcasing the contributions of pioneering scientists in the field of infectious diseases.
The continued emergence and reemergence of infections, coupled with the rapid succession of pandemics, highlight the ongoing need for EID. Its prevention-focused and public health-oriented scope extends into veterinary and environmental spheres, addressing the complex interplay between humans, animals, and their environments.
So, as we reflect on 30 years of EID, we can't help but wonder: What will the next 30 years bring? With the world's attention firmly focused on emerging infectious diseases, EID's role in chronicling and addressing these challenges is more crucial than ever.
What are your thoughts on the role of scientific journals in addressing global health concerns? Do you think EID has made a significant impact in the field of emerging infectious diseases? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
