An international team of biology experts, led by the University of Edinburgh, has published an extensive analysis of the biological threats facing humanity. This study compiles years of data to identify and understand 239 viruses that can infect humans.
Viruses: The Greatest Pandemic Threat
According to the findings shared in The Conversation, each year, two to three new viruses capable of infecting humans are discovered. This discovery rate underscores the dynamic evolution of our biological environment.
Researchers have identified that a notable 90% of these viruses are also present in animals, suggesting that zoonosis is a main pathway for spreading to humans. This cross-species exchange is exacerbated by the destruction of natural habitats and close contact with wild animals, significantly increasing the risk of transmission.
The study indicates that although a large number of viruses have been identified, only 60 species have the ability to spread effectively among humans. The Andes hantavirus is one of the highlighted pathogens due to its ability to transmit from person to person.
Constant surveillance of these viruses is crucial to prevent potential pandemics, allowing laboratories to quickly develop diagnostic tests and vaccines. The next health threat, labeled as Disease X, could come from viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever or multi-organ failure, according to the Daily Mail report.
Professor Mark Woolhouse, an expert in epidemiology, emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring: “New viruses infecting humans are discovered all the time. One of them could be Disease X, the cause of the next pandemic.” This monitoring must be global, as outbreaks have been detected in all regions of the world, except Antarctica.
