Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified 37 viruses that could spark the next global pandemic. The study, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, highlights pathogens that have already demonstrated the ability to spread between humans but have not yet caused major epidemics.
Among the viruses singled out are the Mers coronavirus, relatives of the Ebola virus, and several mosquito-borne viruses. The team noted that these infections have caused disease outbreaks in the past and are of 'greatest concern' due to their potential to evolve and spread more easily.
The method used by the scientists had previously predicted the threat of Ebola and Zika viruses before they caused major outbreaks. All 37 viruses are zoonotic, meaning they primarily affect animals but could pose a significant risk to human health if they adapt to human-to-human transmission.
Lead author Prof Mark Woolhouse emphasised the need for increased surveillance, stating: 'Monitoring these infections should be prioritised because relatively minor changes in their ecology could lead to major changes in the threat they pose to public health.' The research aims to prevent public health crises similar to the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
