ALERT: Brazilian science predicts new pandemic outbreaks in the next 10 years

If you thought the world could be free from a new pandemic, you are mistaken. After the fear that Covid-19 caused, one piece of information has left many people worried.

During an interview with The globeLuiz Vicente Rizzo, an immunologist and scientist who played an active and significant role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic in several areas, offered a convincing explanation of his conviction that we will face another pandemic or health emergency of great relevance.

Image: PAHO/Reproduction

Doctor believes we will have another pandemic in the next ten years

Luiz Vicente Rizzo expresses his personal conviction that the next ten years will not pass without the emergence of another pandemic or, at the very least, a major epidemic. And there are several indications that support this view.

Worrying signs are evident in several areas, such as the reduction of animals’ ecological niches and rising temperatures. The latter is resulting in the thawing of permafrost, a region that is home to thousands of prehistoric viruses. In addition, it is also affecting the migratory patterns of birds.

Each time a zoonotic emergency occurs, these perceptions are reinforced, cementing Rizzo’s conviction.

According to Rizzo, it is highly likely that a virus originating from birds will be responsible for the next pandemic. However, it will not necessarily be a strain of influenza, since the greatest risks and chances are associated with threats that come directly to people.

However, it is important to highlight that the exploration and invasion of previously preserved ecosystems always entails a risk, as something may emerge for which we are not prepared.

An example of this is the emergence of Sars-CoV-2, for which the world was not prepared, not because it was something totally new and unknown, but because due attention was not given to coronaviruses that emerged previously, such as Sars and Mers.

He emphasizes the importance of teaching children and adolescents to adopt the scientific method and thinking. This is not only to shape future scientists who will face the great challenges of humanity, but also to solve everyday problems.

Rizzo states that scientific thinking is fundamental to finding solutions, as problems can only be solved when they are adequately defined.

Luiz Vicente Rizzo believes that, by nature, children and young people have always represented the essence of science, as they have the two main characteristics of this area: they challenge the status quo and ask questions.

For him, the essence of science lies in questions, not answers, contrary to what some people believe. In addition, another characteristic of these young people is their non-conformity with the status quo.

There are no complacent scientists, as they are always looking for new things. Therefore, for Rizzo, teaching science to children is something instinctive, and they represent the most receptive audience for learning. And all of this can be a favorable scenario in the fight against new pandemics.