UK Prioritizes 24 Infectious Diseases at Risk of Future Pandemics
The UK Health Security Agency has released a list of 24 infectious diseases, including bird flu and resistant bacteria, posing potential public health threats.
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Deadly disease-causing organisms from pathogen families that include bird flu, plague and Ebola pose a threat to health in the UK and should be prioritised for research, government experts have said.
UK experts urge prioritising research into 24 types of deadly pathogen families
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The aim is to steer scientists and investors into making new tests and vaccines or medicines in preparation.
Priority pathogens: UK draws up new disease-threat watch list
BBC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 24 infectious diseases that could threaten public health, including bird flu and drug-resistant bacteria, categorized based on their potential pandemic risks and the need for research investment. This proactive list aims to guide scientific efforts in vaccine and treatment development, emphasizing the dangers posed by emerging pathogens influenced by climate change. UKHSA officials stressed the importance of being vigilant about zoonotic diseases, which jump from animals to humans, and highlighted the low current risk to public health. Continuous updates will be made to adapt to evolving threats.
Perspectives
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has created a watch list of 24 infectious diseases that could pose significant future threats to public health, emphasizing the need for research and development of treatments, vaccines, and tests.
Climate change is impacting the spread of certain diseases, such as avian flu and mosquito-borne illnesses, highlighting the importance of preparedness for changing patterns of disease transmission.
Public health experts warn that ignoring the potential of novel infectious diseases, particularly those with high contagion rates like a measles-like virus, could result in more severe outbreaks than COVID-19.