Scientists have issued warnings about the potential threat of ancient “zombie viruses” emerging from the Arctic permafrost due to climate change, posing the risk of a new pandemic. Known as Methuselah microbes, these dormant diseases are found in the permafrost across Canada, Siberia, and Alaska, covering a significant portion of the northern hemisphere.
Climate change has accelerated warming in the Arctic at a rate four times faster than the global average, prompting concerns about the release of ancient viruses as the permafrost thaws. Scientists are considering the establishment of an Arctic monitoring network to track any early cases of diseases caused by ancient strains. The focus would include implementing quarantine measures and expert medical treatment to prevent the spread of the viruses.
Professor Claverie of Aix-Marseille University emphasized the oversight of not giving sufficient attention to the potential outbreak of diseases originating in the far north and spreading south. He highlighted the need to analyze the risk of viruses in the permafrost infecting humans and triggering new disease outbreaks.
Samples from the permafrost have revealed ancient viruses, with one reported to be around 48,500 years old. Virologist Marion Koopmans from Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam expressed concern about the potential for an ancient form of polio or similar diseases to emerge.
As the Arctic sea ice melts, concerns also arise about increased shipping, traffic, and industrial activities in Siberia. Prof. Claverie warned about the release of pathogens as a result of these operations, posing risks to humans in the region.
The change in land use due to melting Arctic ice has historical parallels with disease outbreaks linked to altered habitats. The virologist Koopmans emphasized the role of changing land use as a key driver of outbreaks and highlighted potential dangers arising from a complete change in land use in the Arctic.
The emergence of ancient viruses from the permafrost adds a unique dimension to the challenges posed by climate change, prompting scientists to advocate for proactive monitoring and preventive measures to mitigate the potential risks associated with thawing permafrost.
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