The Next Pandemic Could Be The Deadliest Disease In History

Title: The Next Pandemic: Unmasking the Threat of Paramyxoviruses

Introduction: The world, still grappling with the lasting impacts of COVID-19, faces an ominous specter—the ‘Big One.’ Paramyxoviruses, a family harboring infamous pathogens like mumps and measles, are emerging as potential culprits for the next global health crisis. Michael Norris, a University of Toronto assistant professor, warns of a dystopian scenario where a paramyxovirus combines the contagiousness of measles with the deadliness of Nipah, reminiscent of the film “Contagion.”

Paramyxovirus Characteristics and Concerns: Comprising over 75 viruses, the paramyxovirus family, recently added to the pandemic watch list, includes the Nipah virus with a staggering 75 percent fatality rate. Unlike the flu and COVID-19, these viruses exhibit stability in genetic changes but excel at human transmission. The challenge lies in understanding how these viruses jump between species, adapt, and manifest varying outcomes, making them enigmatic and difficult to combat.

Rubulaviruses and Pandemic Potential: Within paramyxoviruses, rubulaviruses, such as mumps, raise particular concerns due to their ability to jump species boundaries easily. With the capacity to infect humans, apes, pigs, and dogs, especially in close quarters, rubulaviruses pose a heightened risk of sparking pandemics.

Global Threat and Preparedness: In an interconnected world where viruses increasingly leap from animals to humans, a 2022 report underscores the rising threat of potential pandemics. With an average of two novel viruses appearing in humans each year, the need for global health security is paramount. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, staying vigilant and understanding paramyxoviruses’ complexities is crucial for developing effective strategies and lessons learned from past experiences to safeguard against the looming ‘Big One.’