As the world continues to evolve and grow, new viruses are emerging every day, posing a significant threat to human health. In this article, we will look at the top five upcoming dangerous viruses that you need to be aware of.
| Top 5 Upcoming Dangerous Viruses | ||||
| Number | Name | Countries | Symptoms | Vaccine |
| 1 | Marburg virus | Africa | Fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, seizures, coma | In Development |
| 2 | Ebola virus | Africa | Fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, seizures, coma | Yes |
| 3 | Nipah virus | Asia | Fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, encephalitis | In Development |
| 4 | Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus | Africa, Europe, Asia | Fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, seizures, coma | In Development |
| 5 | Lassa virus | West Africa | Fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, cough, conjunctivitis, bleeding, seizures, coma | Yes |
1. Nipah virus
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that originates from fruit bats and has recently spread to humans in India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. The virus causes severe respiratory illness and can lead to encephalitis, a brain-swelling condition that can be fatal. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the Nipah virus as one of the top priority diseases due to its high mortality rate.
Symptoms of Nipah virus typically begin 4-14 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory distress
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
There is no specific treatment for Nipah virus, and supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. However, a vaccine is in development.
2. Marburg virus
The Marburg virus is a deadly virus that belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. It is primarily found in Africa and is transmitted through contaminated body fluids. The virus causes severe hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to organ failure and death.
Symptoms of Marburg virus typically begin 5-10 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Seizures
- Coma
There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus, and supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. However, a vaccine is in development.
3. Lassa fever virus
The Lassa fever virus is an acute viral illness that is endemic in West Africa. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces. The virus causes severe hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to death.
Symptoms of Lassa virus typically begin 6-10 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Bleeding
- Seizures
- Coma
There is no specific treatment for Lassa virus, and supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. However, there is a drug called ribavirin that can be used to treat Lassa virus infection.
4. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is a tick-borne virus that can cause severe illness and death. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick or through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
Symptoms of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever typically begin 3-12 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Seizures
- Coma
There is no specific treatment for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. However, a vaccine is in development.
5. Ebola virus
Ebola virus is another highly contagious hemorrhagic fever virus. It is transmitted to humans through contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or organs of infected animals, such as bats and primates.
Symptoms of Ebola virus typically begin 2-21 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Seizures
- Coma
There is no specific treatment for Ebola virus, and supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. However, there are two vaccines that have been approved for use against Ebola virus.
Upcoming dangerous viruses are a serious threat to global health. These viruses can cause severe illness and even death, and they can spread quickly. It is important to be aware of these viruses and take steps to protect yourself and your community.
