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Issue 6
Future Pandemics
Swine Flu gave us all a scare. It gained near pandemic status in its first month and threatened the travel and health of many around the world. As of mid June many airline companies had already cut down the amount of flights flown into and out of Mexico. The virus has been confirmed in six continents and has killed at least two in the Rio Grande Valley. Though the scare may be over for now Swine Flu isn’t the only virus that World Health Organization, or the Center of Disease Control and Prevention fear. In fact there are a few viruses out there that the CDC has appointed as future possible pandemics.
In the past hundred years the world has witnessed a few pandemics, most notably the Spanish Flu of the early 20th century, and the HIV virus outbreak of the 1980’s. But for now the future, and what it may bring is a greater fear amongst scientists; the CDC notes the possible threats of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, and “Super Bugs”, viruses that have grown a resistance towards antibiotics.
The study and research on these lethal viruses is a big concern for governments around the world, especially since these viruses can be farmed and used as biological weapons. There are currently no cures for VHR viruses and their spread can be rapid, the good thing is that humans are not normally infected unless they come into contact with the viral host. The best-known VHR is the Ebola Virus, which kills 92 percent of its infected victims.
Viruses like Ebola are a major threat to society due their mysterious nature. Their natural habitat is currently unknown to researchers, but many believe that the natural host is a primate native to Africa. A cure for Ebola cannot be produced until the location of the natural virus carrier is identified.
The Marburg Virus, a cousin of the Ebola Virus, is another VHR that can be traced to a primate in Africa. There was an outbreak of the virus centered in Eastern Europe in 1967 and caused the death of 37 people. The Virus has a fatality rate of up to 25 percent.
The past decade has been plagued with three viral outbreak scares; the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) became a global threat in 2003, the Avian Flu scare of 2004, and this years Swine Flue outbreak. More threats are bound to appear as the world becomes more globalized and interaction between different regions of the world is made more accessible to all. Many airports around the world have learned from previous outbreaks and now equip their arrival terminals with sensors that detect the passenger temperature level; a new precaution to avoid the worst.
Just remember to properly wash your hands, and take precaution when you feel your getting sick.
Curious about crazy Vampire pandemics?
- José Silva
