The sudden emergence and rapid spread of COVID-19 resulted in the unfortunate deaths of millions across the globe. Since then, there has been a palpable apprehension amongst the populace regarding the potential outbreak of the next major infectious disease, be it a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite.
With the effective containment of COVID-19 due to successful vaccination campaigns, the current focus of public health officials has shifted to three primary infectious diseases: malaria (caused by a parasite), HIV (a viral infection), and tuberculosis (caused by a bacterium). Together, these diseases claim approximately 2 million lives annually.
In addition to these well-known threats, there are watchlists highlighting priority pathogens that have developed resistance to conventional treatments, including antibiotics and antivirals.
Scientists remain vigilant, monitoring potential threats on the horizon. While the nature of the next pathogen is unpredictable, certain categories, such as influenza viruses, pose a significant risk of triggering swift outbreaks.
Presently, influenza A subtype H5N1, known as ‘bird flu,’ is a cause for significant concern, with infections reported in various bird and animal species. The potential transmission of bird flu to humans remains a looming threat, as evidenced by recent cases linked to animal contact.
While H5N1 currently lacks efficient human-to-human transmission, a single genetic mutation could transform it into a pandemic threat. Governments have proactively devised pandemic preparedness plans, such as stockpiling vaccines, to mitigate potential risks.
Emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the ‘one health’ approach underscores the importance of holistic disease prevention and control. In addressing existing slow pandemics like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis, alongside monitoring emerging threats, we strive to safeguard global health proactively.
Authored by Conor Meehan, Associate Professor of Microbial Bioinformatics at Nottingham Trent University
This article has been republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Vocabulary List:
- Apprehension /ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.ʃən/ (noun): An anxious feeling about something bad that might happen.
- Pathogen /ˈpæθəɡən/ (noun): An organism that causes disease such as a virus or bacterium.
- Transmission /trænzˈmɪʃən/ (noun): The act of passing something from one person or place to another specifically in the context of disease.
- Mitigate /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ (verb): To make something less severe harmful or painful.
- Holistic /hoʊˈlɪs.tɪk/ (adjective): Relating to or concerned with complete systems rather than with individual parts.
- Vaccination /ˌvæk.sɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The act of administering a vaccine to help the body develop immunity against a disease.
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