The statement 'Less than 50% of new emerging human infectious diseases have been vector-borne or zoonotic' is:

The statement 'Less than 50% of new emerging human infectious diseases have been vector-borne or zoonotic' is:

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not enough data
• D. Irrelevant to public health

Answer: (B)

Most new emerging human infectious diseases originate in animals, either jumping directly from animals or through animal-associated transmission that involves a vector. Because zoonotic sources account for the majority of recent emerging infections, the share that are vector-borne or zoonotic is well above half. In fact, estimates commonly place zoonotic-origin emerging infections around 60–75%, with many of those involving vectors as part of the transmission cycle. This pattern reflects how close contact with wildlife and changes in ecosystems drive spillover events. So the statement is false.

Most new emerging human infectious diseases originate in animals, either jumping directly from animals or through animal-associated transmission that involves a vector. Because zoonotic sources account for the majority of recent emerging infections, the share that are vector-borne or zoonotic is well above half. In fact, estimates commonly place zoonotic-origin emerging infections around 60–75%, with many of those involving vectors as part of the transmission cycle. This pattern reflects how close contact with wildlife and changes in ecosystems drive spillover events. So the statement is false.