Haqiquatnews desk, WHO news : The World Health Organization (WHO) continuously monitors pathogens with the potential to cause outbreaks or pandemics. According to recent updates, several pathogens have been highlighted as significant threats, including those that could lead to endemic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a list of priority pathogens that have the potential to cause future pandemics or significant epidemics. This list includes a mix of known viruses, bacteria, and the concept of “Disease X,” which represents an unknown pathogen that could emerge unexpectedly and cause a global health crisis.
Here are some of the key pathogens on WHO’s radar
Avian Influenza (H5N1): This virus, primarily found in birds, is highly lethal to humans but has limited human-to-human transmission so far. However, there is concern that it could mutate to become more easily transmissible among people.
Dengue Fever: A mosquito-borne virus that is already widespread in tropical regions, Dengue Fever can cause severe flu-like symptoms and has been spreading to new areas due to climate change.
Lassa Fever: This viral hemorrhagic fever, spread by rodents, is endemic in parts of West Africa but has the potential to cause wider outbreaks due to its high mortality rate and potential for person-to-person transmission.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS): A coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2, MERS has a high mortality rate and has caused several outbreaks since it was first identified in 2012.
Monkeypox: Recently, a more infectious strain of monkeypox has emerged, raising concerns about its potential to cause larger epidemics, especially in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Hantavirus: Spread by rodents, this virus can cause severe respiratory illnesses in humans. It is particularly concerning due to its high fatality rate and the lack of effective treatment.
West Nile Virus: Another mosquito-borne virus, West Nile has spread across many parts of the world, causing a range of symptoms from mild fever to severe neurological complications.
Zika Virus: Known for causing birth defects when transmitted to pregnant women, Zika remains a significant concern, especially in regions where the Aedes mosquito is prevalent.
Smallpox: Though eradicated in the wild, smallpox remains a concern due to the possibility of accidental or deliberate release, which could lead to a rapid and devastating outbreak due to the lack of widespread immunity.
Disease X: This term is used by WHO to describe a yet-to-be-identified pathogen that could cause a severe epidemic in the future. It underscores the importance of global preparedness for unknown threats.
These pathogens are part of WHO’s priority list, which is updated based on ongoing scientific evaluation, the potential for human transmission, and the socio-economic impact of these diseases. The list is used to guide research and investment in developing vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments to prevent future outbreaks. ( World Health Organization (WHO) Nature
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