What can we do to avoid an unexpected close acquaintance with another rapidly spreading newcomer after the coronavirus? Biologists Gábor Kemenesi and Gábor Földvári also answered these questions in their science lecture, the recording of which is published on the MTA YouTube channel (the link is available in the article on mta.hu).

To talk about an age of epidemics is no longer an exaggeration. The current coronavirus epidemic was predicted by science, but the list of viruses signed up to be the cause of the next epidemic is not over yet. In the lecture, Gábor Kemenesi talks about the basic knowledge related to the research of emerging infectious diseases. We can also get an idea of what may be the possible causes of future epidemics and where we can expect their emergence.

The shrinking of natural habitats and climate change create ecological situations that help many pathogens settle in new places and in new hosts, thus stimulating the emergence of epidemics in humans and domestic animals. Since we cannot stop or reverse the phenomenon, it is vital that we do everything we can to prevent it, prepare for its major effects, and develop a defence strategy. The currently prevalent post-event decision-making, medical or technological solutions (restrictive measures, vaccine, treatment) are not sufficient, as complex networks of evolutionary, ecological and epidemiological phenomena are in the background. Gábor Földvári’s presentation shows the connections between these and presents practical preventive solutions that would make it possible to curb epidemics such as the current one – before they break out.

About:

Gábor Földvári , a biologist, received his PhD for his results in the epidemiological and ecological studies of ticks and the pathogens they spread. He specializes in parasitology, epidemiology and pathogen ecology. Recently, his research interest has focused on how human activity and climate change affect the emergence of pathogens in new locations and new hosts.

Gábor Kemenesi is a biologist, virologist and lecturer as a university assistant professor. One of the Hungarian experts on emerging infectious diseases, he obtained his doctorate in bat virology. He also researches other aspects of emerging infectious diseases, such as viruses transmitted by mosquitoes or rodents. He conducts pioneering research on the subject on many continents.