WHAT'S IN A MAP? The Global Wildlife Disease News Map tracks over 50 diseases that strike animals across the globe. It color codes and maps diseases, which can be filtered to produce a customized picture. With the map, diseases like the West Nile virus, avian influenza, and monkeypox can be tracked easily, based on the location and time of reports.
WHAT IS A VIRUS? Unlike bacteria, viruses are not cells; most consist of DNA or RNA molecules, containing the virus's genes, surrounded by a protein coat. A virus can attach itself to cells and inject molecules into the cell, or the cell may absorb it. Once inside, the molecules cause the infected cell to make new viruses that can spread to other cells.