Which of the following is an example of an emerging infectious disease?

COVID-19 is classified as an emerging infectious disease because it is caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that was first identified in late 2019. Emerging infectious diseases are those that have newly appeared in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographical range. The emergence of COVID-19 has had a significant global impact, characterized by widespread transmission and a range of symptoms affecting various populations.

In contrast, while HIV/AIDS, influenza, and tuberculosis have significantly affected public health, they are not classified as emerging diseases in the same context. HIV/AIDS, while still a critical global health issue, was identified in the early 1980s. Influenza is a well-known disease with annual epidemics and has been studied extensively for decades. Tuberculosis has been a recognized infectious disease for centuries, though it can have outbreaks due to factors like drug resistance. Overall, the distinguishing factor for COVID-19 is its newness and the rapid spread and impact it has had on global health systems since its emergence.