The most dangerous diseases to human health in the coming years will be those of zoonotic origin—transmitted between animals and humans—and arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those spread by mosquitoes, according to a French health authority on Wednesday. Brigitte Autran, head of the Health Risk Prevention Committee (Covars), confirmed at a press conference that "these risks exist, and it is unknown when they will arrive, but it is certain they will come."
Covars presented its opinion to the Ministers of Health and Research earlier this week regarding the risks stemming from exceptional health conditions anticipated in the next five years in France. Following consultations with several French and international organizations and experts, Covars identified 35 infectious diseases that could harm human health, some of which present a high level of risk.
Among these diseases are zoonotic infections such as epidemic respiratory infections (animal-borne influenza and novel coronaviruses) and arthropod-borne viruses (especially dengue fever and West Nile virus infections). This category also includes the potential emergence of unknown diseases linked to new pathogens that are currently unidentified, in addition to severe respiratory infections during winter.
Furthermore, in addition to epidemic and infectious risks, events associated with climate and environmental changes are likely to increase the risk of spreading emerging diseases, most of which have an animal origin. Patrick Guérin, an environmental epidemiologist and member of Covars, explained that "one consequence of climate warming is the prolonged favorable period for the reproduction of disease vectors throughout the year." He pointed out that "the tiger mosquito will be able to reach larger populations year-round, posing greater risks."
He added: "We will also be more exposed to ozone, an oxidizing agent that will increase the likelihood of respiratory infections." He emphasized that "the collapse of biodiversity" will be another factor contributing to "the spread of epidemic vectors."
Covars stressed the need to strengthen the healthcare system "to prevent being overwhelmed when health threats arise." The committee also called for "monitoring transmission events between mammals and between species," as well as the "animal reservoirs" of viruses.
