WHO Adds Dengue and Mpox to Pandemic Risk List
- WHO has added dengue and mpox viruses to the pandemic risk list.
- The additions have potential to cause global outbreaks and health emergencies.
- Remaining vigilant and prepared is essential to combat these emerging threats.
Public health experts are sounding the alarm about the inevitability of another pandemic similar to COVID-19, with predictions ranging from next year to a decade from now. The increasing frequency of such public health emergencies is attributed to climate change, which is causing more viruses and pathogens to emerge from shrinking natural habitats. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently updated its list of the most threatening pathogens, identifying over 30 potential culprits that could lead to future pandemics. The WHO's updated report, compiled with the assistance of over 200 scientists from more than 50 countries, highlights the growing concern over various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Notably, the report includes new additions such as the influenza A virus, dengue virus, and the mpox virus, which previously caused a global pandemic in 2022. The mpox virus is particularly alarming as it continues to mutate and is currently spreading rapidly in Africa, prompting the WHO to consider declaring it a "public health emergency of international concern." Additionally, the report introduces the concept of "Pathogen X," referring to unidentified pathogens that could potentially trigger significant public health crises in the future. The authors emphasize the difficulty in predicting which specific pathogens may lead to the next pandemic, given the vast number of viruses and bacteria that can infect humans. This uncertainty complicates preparedness efforts, as it is challenging to know what to monitor for in the face of emerging threats.