Which Viruses And Bacteria Could Cause The Next Pandemic

The Next Pandemic: What's on the Horizon?

A Growing List of Threats

The world is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, but scientists are already looking ahead to the next potential global health crisis. The number of pathogens that could trigger the next pandemic has grown to more than 30, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Influenza Viruses

One of the biggest threats is influenza viruses, which cause the flu. This group of viruses includes H1N1, which caused a swine flu pandemic in 2009, and H5, the bird flu that has broken out among poultry in recent years.

Coronaviruses

The virus now known as SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19, is still spreading. But even if it is eventually brought under control, there are other coronaviruses that could emerge as pandemic threats.

Other Pathogens

WHO is also concerned about a number of other pathogens, including Nipah virus, Rift Valley fever virus, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. These viruses are all capable of causing severe disease and have the potential to spread rapidly.