Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HomeHealthExperts warn of another pandemic: urgent action needed

Experts warn of another pandemic: urgent action needed

Threat of Arcturus: A new pandemic on the horizon

Virologists have issued a stark warning that the world may be facing another pandemic, and the new variant known as Arcturus may be the culprit. First discovered in 22 countries, including the UK and the US, the Arcturus variant could become more aggressive, making it the dominant strain in the UK. Scientists believe that another epidemic on the scale of COVID-19 is inevitable, and urgent action is required to prepare for this eventuality.

Leading immunologist, Sir John Bell, has warned that the nation needs to adopt an “always on” approach to prepare for the next pandemic. This includes building a more resilient healthcare system, carrying out better surveillance, and identifying future threats. With the number of cases on the rise in the UK and other countries, there is a clear need for action.

Despite the lessons learned from COVID-19, experts caution that the UK is ill-equipped for the next pandemic due to inadequate public services and research funding cuts. The next pandemic could potentially be more catastrophic than COVID-19.

Pandemic

UK’s vulnerability to the next pandemic is a result of disinvestment in infection-monitoring services, the dismantling of key infrastructure, and the current state of the NHS. Experts also express concerns over the mothballing of COVID-testing labs and the proposed sale of the country’s future vaccine manufacturing and research laboratory before it was even operational. The NHS is currently facing significant challenges such as record waits in A&E, ambulance delays, and increasing waiting lists.

Despite this, many experts believe that there are steps that can be taken to prepare for the next pandemic. Professor Teresa Lambe, one of the principal investigators leading the Oxford-AstraZeneca program, said the UK had failed to take on board many “hard-learned lessons” from COVID.

If the government doesn’t invest in pandemic preparedness, the public could be vulnerable in the next pandemic. Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser who predicted the COVID-19 outbreak, warns that a similar virus outbreak is likely to happen in the next 15 years.

The lack of investment in the NHS has put it in a worse position than it was three years ago, according to Sir David King. He expressed certainty that the government has failed to support the health service and enhance the nation’s capacity to combat another pandemic, which means they are neglecting the future.

The Arcturus variant, which is more transmissible than previous strains, has raised concerns among scientists and health officials. While vaccines are still effective against the variant, it may be more dangerous for those who have not yet been vaccinated. The variant has the potential to cause severe illness, particularly in those with underlying health conditions.

The emergence of the Arcturus variant highlights the need for a more coordinated global response to pandemics. The world needs to work together to share information, identify new threats, and develop effective vaccines and treatments. This requires increased investment in research, public health, and healthcare systems around the world.

In addition to this, there needs to be a renewed focus on preparedness. Governments and healthcare systems must develop contingency plans and stockpile essential equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators. This will help to ensure that healthcare workers are protected and that patients can receive the care they need.

Read More: Climate-driven disasters lead to surge in Malaria cases in Pakistan: WHO

Finally, there needs to be a greater emphasis on public education and awareness. People need to understand the risks and how to protect themselves and their communities. Governments and health organizations need to communicate effectively with the public, providing clear instructions and details.

spot_img

More articles

spot_img

Latest article