UK Health Department Lists 24 Priority Pathogens as Top Threats, Including Flu and COVID-19

London, UK:The UK Department of Health has officially recognized flu and COVID-19 as the top threats among potential pandemics, urging the preparation for 24 priority pathogens. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released its watchlist, highlighting several viruses that could trigger global pandemics, including COVID-19, as well as other diseases with no current treatment or potential significant harm.

According to the UKHSA, bird flu (avian flu) is one of the viruses listed, alongside mosquito-borne diseases that may become more common due to climate change and rising temperatures. The list aims to encourage scientists to develop new tests, vaccines, or medications to combat these threats.

Among the most dangerous pathogens identified are the influenza and coronavirus viruses, which have been marked as high-risk potential pandemics. Other viruses in the list include picornaviruses like polio, paramyxoviruses such as measles, and flaviviruses that cause diseases like dengue, Zika, and hepatitis C.

The new list includes 16 virus families and 8 bacterial families, representing numerous harmful microorganisms. Among these are adenoviruses, Lassa fever, norovirus, MERS, Ebola, as well as viruses like Marburg. Also included are viruses like Hantavirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, seasonal and avian flu, as well as Oropouche virus, severe flaccid myelitis, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), monkeypox, and Chikungunya.

The bacterial threats listed include anthrax, Q fever, enterobacteriaceae (such as E. coli and Yersinia pestis, which causes plague), tularemia, Moraxellaceae (which causes infections in the lungs, urine, and blood), gonorrhea, and group A and B streptococcus.

The UKHSA’s priority list emphasizes the urgency of developing effective countermeasures to prevent potential outbreaks and safeguard public health.