Pathogens that could spark the next pandemic …
a priority
WHO expands the list of pathogens that may cause a pandemic
Through consistent and ongoing research, the World Health Organization has updated its list of most dangerous viruses and bacteria as of June 2024. The list has been expanded to more than 30 pathogens to provide those with the highest risk >>> this includes influenza A, dengue and mpox. The potential to cause a global public health emergency, such as a pandemic, is the concern.
The WHO study outlines the findings of a global pathogen prioritization process involving over 200 scientists from more than 50 countries who evaluated the evidence related to 28 Viral Families and one core group of Bacteria, encompassing 1,652 pathogens. The prioritization process helps identify critical knowledge gaps that need to be addressed urgently.
Additions to the list of 30 pathogens:
🦠 The monkeypox virus, which caused a global mpox outbreak in 2022, can be severe and can vary depending on the strain of the virus and an individual's health and immune status. Monkeypox is generally less severe than smallpox, but it can still lead to complications and, in rare cases, be fatal.
🦠 Variola virus, which causes smallpox, despite it having been eradicated in 1980, is “deemed a priority” and is also added to the list. This is because several people are no longer getting vaccinated routinely against the virus -- religious and political view come to mind.
🦠 Half a dozen influenza A viruses are also now on the list, including subtype H5, which has sparked an outbreak in cattle in the United States. Bacteria strains that cause cholera, plague, dysentery, diarrhea and pneumonia have been identified.
>>>>> 🐀 Two rodent viruses have also been added because they have jumped to people, with sporadic human-to-human transmission.
The Spark – we don’t need:
While pathogens may be "confined" to specific regions or species, the potential exists for "jumping" to another >>> “animal to human” and “human to human” as was the case with COVID-19.
Human migration (legal and illegal) has the potential to cause serious health issues for individuals and the total population.
Knowledge gaps are urgent:
Afterall, we are all on the same planet with individual's having their own level of cleanliness; work conditions and innocent exposure, as is the case with healthcare workers, also impact the potential for infection and pandemic concerns.
It takes a Collaborative Effort
.... all of us respecting and working together to control infections
and future pandemics
Are you cognizant?
See related article: WHO starts negotiations on Global Agreement to protect world from future pandemics
🌌 💦 🌀 🔍💻 🌌 💦 🌀 🔍💻 🌌 💦 🌀 🔍💻 🌌 💦 🌀 🔍💻
Learn more about Famey Lockwood and Te-Ar Healthcare >>>>
Connect on LinkedIn for ongoing conversations >>>>
Comments