Rise in Animal to Human Viral Infections: The pace of animal-to-human virus infections is on an alarming rise, with a projected death toll in 2050 estimated to be 12 times greater than what was observed in 2020, according to a recent study. In a comprehensive analysis spanning six decades of health data, spanning from 1963 to 2019, researchers delved into the fatalities caused by four specific types of viruses: filoviruses (including the infamous Ebola and Marburg viruses), SARS Coronavirus 1 (cousin to the virus responsible for COVID-19), nipah virus, and the machupo virus. The study identified a total of 75 “spillover” incidents where viruses crossed over from animals to humans, resulting in outbreaks in 24 different countries. These outbreaks led to a total of 17,232 deaths, with filoviruses accounting for the majority, causing 15,771 deaths, primarily in Africa.
Alarming trends emerged from the analysis. Excluding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the study revealed a yearly increase of nearly five percent in the number of spillover events and a nine percent rise in reported deaths due to these virus groups from 1963 to 2019. If these trends persist, the researchers predict that by 2050, the pathogens under scrutiny will cause four times as many spillover events and a staggering 12 times the number of deaths compared to 2020. This projection raises serious concerns about the growing threat posed by zoonotic spillover-driven epidemics, and it necessitates urgent global action to address this expanding risk to public health.
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The researchers also emphasized that their findings might actually underestimate the danger, given their stringent inclusion criteria and their exclusion of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance global prevention, preparedness, and resilience in the face of these escalating challenges. Furthermore, it is evident that climate change and changes in land use, leading to increased population density and connectivity, are contributing factors to the rising frequency of spillover events. In recent times, animal-to-human infections have been at the root of many major epidemics, underscoring the urgency of addressing this growing global health risk.
Our Reader’s Queries
Why is there a rise in zoonotic diseases?
This review highlights the increasing prevalence of zoonotic diseases, which can be attributed to a range of factors including urbanization, deforestation, tourism, zoos, climate change, and wildlife exploitation. These factors have altered the way animals and humans coexist, leading to significant changes in daily life and interactions between the two groups.
What percent of human diseases come from animals?
Experts suggest that over 60% of the infectious diseases that affect humans can be transmitted from animals. Additionally, 75% of the new or emerging infectious diseases that humans face are believed to originate from animals.
What are some of the new viral diseases that have been transferred from animals to people in the last few decades?
Over the last few decades, the world has seen a surge in newly identified zoonotic diseases due to rapid global changes. These include hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is contracted from infected rodents and causes respiratory issues, as well as monkeypox, a disease similar to smallpox that can be transmitted from various animals. Another example is SARS, a type of pneumonia that can be contracted from animals. The emergence of these diseases highlights the importance of understanding and monitoring zoonotic diseases to prevent future outbreaks.
What is an infection transfer from animal to human?
A zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. These diseases can spread through various means, including close contact with infected livestock, exposure to infected pets, or contact with wildlife or exhibited animals. It is important to be aware of the potential for zoonotic diseases and take necessary precautions to prevent their spread.