麻豆约拍

This week Adam Walton explores epidemiology - the science of the occurrence and patterns of disease in a population. The programme discusses the current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and the search for a cure. We hear about the early days of epidemiology in Wales in the 1840s when cholera outbreaks claimed many lives. We also find out about research into the origins of HIV and AIDS.

Professor Julian Hiscox, of the Institute of Infection and Global Health at the University of Liverpool, outlines recent research into the current outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa, and how the careful application of epidemiology has enabled researchers to work out exactly when and where the outbreak began, and who the first victim was. We also hear how, by analysing the virus, scientists have determined that the virus appears to have mutated to a new form which may grow quicker.

Poor sanitation and crowded industrial towns in Wales in the mid-nineteenth century caused the spread of diseases such as cholera, and killed many hundreds of people. Early, methodical studies of the spread of diseases, and the state of the water supply and sanitation, led to changes which helped improve conditions. These early epidemiological studies are discussed by Dr Pamela Michael, an honorary lecturer at Bangor's School of Social Sciences.

Dr Olwen Williams is a consultant physician working in Wrexham, who specialises in sexual health, and presents a forthcoming S4C TV programme on the origin of HIV and Aids. Olwen explains that after 30 years of awareness, HIV Aids is still a global pandemic affecting tens of millions of people. The programme is called "GOHEBWYR: AIDS - Cyfrinach y Congo" (REPORTERS: AIDS - The Secrets of the Congo), and will be broadcast on S4C (date will be added here when available)
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