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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Emerging zoonotic diseases and COVID-19 pandemic: global Perspective and Indian Scenario
Mainak Bardhan1,2, Ishita Ray3, Shubhajeet Roy4
1Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed other dangerous zoonotic diseases like Nipah and monkeypox, leading to increased risks in endemic areas. Global health preparedness is crucial for managing these neglected viral threats.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Zoonotic diseases have historically caused significant mortality and morbidity.
- The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained global healthcare infrastructure.
- The focus on COVID-19 has led to the neglect of other emerging zoonotic viral outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the resurgence and impact of neglected zoonotic infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To emphasize the increased risks and challenges in managing these diseases due to healthcare system strain.
- To underscore the critical need for preparedness against potential zoonotic viral outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on zoonotic diseases.
- Analysis of outbreak patterns in endemic regions.
- Assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare resources.
Main Results:
- Several zoonotic viruses, including Nipah and Langya, have seen increased activity in their endemic areas.
- The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated mortality and morbidity from these neglected zoonoses due to healthcare professional shortages.
- Limited availability of vaccines and therapeutics necessitates a focus on supportive care and prevention.
Conclusions:
- Preparedness for zoonotic viral outbreaks is essential, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Neglected zoonotic infections pose a significant threat that requires continued surveillance and resource allocation.
- Strengthening healthcare systems and developing targeted interventions are crucial for mitigating future zoonotic disease impacts.
Abstract:
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is one example of the scores of zoonotic diseases responsible for various outbreaks resulting in the deaths of millions of people for centuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has broken the age-old healthcare infrastructure and led to utter chaos. In the shadow of this pandemic, other zoonotic infections like the nipah virus, monkeypox, and langya virus, to name a few, have been neglected. Hence, outbreaks caused by such zoonotic viruses are rising in their endemic areas, like the Indian subcontinent. The mortality and morbidity due to such zoonoses are greater than usual due to the shortage of healthcare professionals caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Due to the lack of vaccines and therapeutics directed against this viral infection, treatment of patients is limited to supportive management and prevention, making preparedness for these potential zoonotic viral outbreaks essential. This paper highlights some of these zoonotic infections, which perpetuated and wreaked havoc while the world was occupied with containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
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