International experts are increasingly concerned about the current development of bird flu (H5N1) in the US. Virologists are very worried that a new pandemic also seems possible. But there is still time to prevent such a fatal outbreak, the expert now insists.
Two virus outbreaks should currently “cause great concern”, the renowned virologist from the University Hospitals of Geneva warns on X (formerly Twitter).
Both the outbreak of bird flu, which has already spread to the first mammals, and the monkeypox in Congo have “huge potential for the next pandemic,” Eckerle said. And further: “It is very worrying what is brewing there.”
The next virus has already reached humans
Compared to Covid, however, these could have much more serious consequences for the world population. The international top expert summarizes that both are simply not easy to manage on a global level. While the bird flu virus is still circulating among animals, the monkeypox strain has already reached humans.
If the virus adapts, “it will be too late”
Eckerle therefore calls for rapid countermeasures: “Very intensive” national and global efforts are needed to prevent a potentially fatal spread, but this is not even beginning to happen.
H5N1 is ‘only’ in animals, Mpox seems far away.” Your assessment: The risk is currently assessed as low for the general population “until it is too late.” There is simply no average risk for either virus: “If it is widespread and effective in humans, it is too late to contain it,” says Eckerle.
Corona on the other hand “like a walk”
German epidemiologist Timo Ulrichs recently took a similar approach. It would be difficult to predict how, if, and when H5N1 would acquire pandemic potential. “But if the bird flu virus spreads to humans and causes a pandemic, the corona pandemic will look like a walk in the park,” he explained.
Politics is missing the ‘silver bullet’
Top virologist Christian Drosten, who became known for the corona crisis, previously stated that “all experts are worried”. An extension to humans could also be small, “but it could also be the beginning of the next pandemic, which we are following live here,” says the researcher from the Berlin Charité.
Eckerle’s summary? “Nothing has been learned” during the Corona crisis, no preventive measures have been taken yet. The ‘silver solution’ to quickly bring possible outbreaks to a foresight is simply missing.
Source: Krone
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