Here are 10 emerging diseases with pandemic potential:
1. COVID-19: The ongoing coronavirus pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected millions worldwide and resulted in a high number of deaths.
2. Ebola: Ebola virus disease outbreaks, primarily in Central and West Africa, have occurred sporadically with high mortality rates. While primarily localized, there is potential for a larger outbreak.
3. MERS: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by a coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and has caused outbreaks primarily in the Middle East, but has the potential to spread globally.
4. Zika: The Zika virus outbreak in 2015-2016 highlighted the potential for rapid spread through mosquitoes and can cause serious birth defects.
5. Nipah: Nipah virus outbreaks have occurred in South and Southeast Asia, causing severe respiratory and neurological symptoms, with a high mortality rate. There is concern about its pandemic potential.
6. Lassa fever: Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever primarily occurring in West Africa, caused by the Lassa virus. The disease has the potential to cause larger outbreaks and poses a threat to global health security.
7. Hantavirus: Hantaviruses are a group of viruses transmitted to humans by rodents. While most cases are localized and sporadic, the potential for larger outbreaks exists.
8. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: Caused by a tick-borne virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has a high fatality rate and has the potential to spread to new regions.
9. Chikungunya: Chikungunya virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can cause debilitating joint pain and has the potential for rapid spread in new regions.
10. Marburg: Marburg hemorrhagic fever is caused by the Marburg virus, belonging to the same family as Ebola. Outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Africa, with a high case fatality rate.
