Sotiris Tsiodras: “The new pandemic can happen this year, maybe in 15 years” The possibility of a new pandemic and that 25 types of viruses are being monitored by the WHO, with greater concerns around bird flu, the infectious disease specialist said in his speech, Sotiris Tsiodras.
The probability that a person will experience a pandemic during his lifetime is estimated at 38%, according to mathematical models,” said Sotiris Tsiodras during his speech at an EODY event today (11.12.2024), while pointing out that the The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring 25 families of viruses that could potentially cause a global crisis.Avian flu at the forefront of concern
Central to the concerns of the scientific community is bird flu. “The H5N1 virus can carry a mutation and become highly contagious. This mutation can happen this year, but it can also happen in 15 years”, said Sotiris Tsiodras.
He also noted that although the virus currently does not appear to be highly contagious between humans, “we don’t know for sure yet.”The wide spread of the virus in poultry, its transmission to mammals and the incidents in humans have raised alarm. “So far, 58 people have fallen ill in the US, while a teenager in Canada is seriously ill with no known risk factors,” he added, describing the severity of the situation.
Disease “X” and new threats In addition to the already known viruses, Mr. Tsiodras was referring to “X” disease, a term used by the WHO to describe an as-yet-unknown infection that could cause a pandemic. “There must be continuous surveillance of people and animals, as well as preparedness at the level of health systems, to prevent a future crisis,” the professor emphasized.
The mysterious infection in the Congo The professor also referred to the mysterious infection found in the Congo which is under investigation. “The infection is under investigation. Samples have been sent to the African Center for Disease Control, while a team of European scientists is also in the area,” he explained.
The scientific community estimates that the infection is likely due to multiple pathogens, which is not surprising given the poor sanitation and malnutrition that prevails, as he said, in the region. However, as explained by Mr. Tsiodras, “the infection does not seem to be spreading and is under control”.Need for preparedness Finally, Sotiris Tsiodras underlined the importance of international cooperation and preventive action. “We cannot know when or which pathogen will cause the next pandemic, but we must be ready,” he concluded.
Source: Gianna Soulaki / Iatropedia.