London, UK – As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, scientists are turning their attention to the potential threats posed by the next global health crisis. Speculation surrounds the idea of a future ‘Disease X,’ but a recent study has pointed to a different source of concern – the Arctic region. Researchers have issued a stark warning that the melting ice in the Arctic, caused by climate change, could unleash ancient ‘zombie’ viruses capable of sparking a new pandemic.
Known as ‘Methuselah microbes,’ these dormant pathogens have been preserved in the permafrost for tens of thousands of years. As temperatures rise and the permafrost thaws, there are mounting fears that these ancient diseases could be released, posing a significant risk to human health. Dr. Khaled Abass from the University of Sharjah emphasizes that climate change is not only melting ice but also breaking down the barriers between ecosystems, animals, and humans, potentially paving the way for the transmission of dangerous pathogens.
Scientists have shown that glaciers and permafrost in the Arctic can harbor a variety of deadly viruses, including strains of influenza dating back to 1918. The thawing of these frozen landscapes could lead to the release of infectious viruses like Pithovirus sibericum and Mollivirus sibericum, as well as Pandoravirus and Megavirus mammoth. Furthermore, the discovery of the ‘Wolf’ virus, Pacmanvirus lupus, in a 27,000-year-old Siberian wolf highlights the potential risks associated with the resurgence of ancient diseases.
The sheer scale of the problem is evident in the estimation that four sextillion cells escape from the permafrost each year, heightening concerns about the likelihood of a dangerous incident. Past incidents, such as the release of anthrax spores from a carcass frozen in Siberian permafrost, serve as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of thawing ice. With zoonotic diseases already spreading in the Arctic region, experts caution that the lack of medical infrastructure in these remote areas could exacerbate the risks of a widespread outbreak.
The Arctic’s accelerated rate of warming, combined with limited health monitoring services, underscore the urgent need for global attention to the potential dangers lurking beneath the icy surfaces of the region. Not only are scientists concerned about the immediate health risks posed by ancient pathogens, but they also warn of the broader ripple effects that could extend far beyond the Arctic. The interconnected nature of climate change, pollution, and infectious diseases underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate the threat of a future pandemic originating in the Arctic region.