Overview of Current Biological Threats in the World
Biological agents and the threats they pose are dynamic and constantly changing. Viruses mutate, bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, and new pathogens can suddenly emerge and spread. Here's an overview of some of the current biological threats we should be on the lookout for.
COVID-19
The disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, called COVID-19, is currently the most serious global biological threat. The first cases were spotted in 2019 in Wuhan, China, and the virus has since spread globally, causing a pandemic. Despite the development and spread of vaccines, COVID-19 continues to pose a serious threat to public health worldwide.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a growing biological threat. More and more bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, making some infections difficult to treat and in some cases even impossible. For example, bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and some types of Escherichia coli are already resistant to many antibiotics.
Influenza
Influenza is an annual biohazard that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite the availability of vaccines, the influenza virus still causes a significant number of illnesses and deaths each year. In addition, vaccines must be updated every year to keep up with mutating viruses.
Ebola and other hemorrhagic fevers
Although rare, hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Lassa fever are extremely deadly and can cause sudden epidemics. These viruses spread through contact with the bodies of fluids of infected people or animals and can cause severe, often fatal symptoms.
Zika, Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases
Mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya are a serious biological threat, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. With climate change and urbanization, these areas are increasingly vulnerable to these diseases.
Prion diseases
Although rare, prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and kuru, are incurable and fatal. Prions, proteinaceous infectious molecules, are difficult to detect and eliminate, posing a serious public health challenge.
The above review shows that biological threats are complex and dynamic. Each requires a specific approach for both prevention and response. This requires continuous monitoring, research and adaptation of public health strategies.
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