kathimerini.gr
Pandemic Risk and Antimicrobial Resistance: Greece Faces High Threat
Greek experts highlight a 38% lifetime probability of facing a major public health threat, with 25 virus families, including H5N1 avian flu, identified as potential pandemic triggers; antimicrobial resistance, causing over 35,000 annual EU deaths, is another major concern, with Greece showing high antibiotic consumption and broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
- What is the likelihood of a major public health threat in a person's lifetime, and which pathogens are considered high-risk?
- Experts warn of a 38% lifetime probability of experiencing a major public health threat, with 25 virus families, including the H5N1 avian flu, identified as potential pandemic triggers. 112 million poultry have been affected by H5N1 in the US, and 58 human cases have been reported. A mutation increasing its transmissibility is a significant concern.
- What are the long-term implications of antimicrobial resistance and potential strategies to mitigate this global health crisis?
- Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant, silent pandemic, causing over 35,000 deaths annually in the EU. Greece's high antibiotic consumption (26.7 daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants vs. 18.3 EU average), particularly broad-spectrum antibiotics, exacerbates this issue. Addressing this requires stricter prescription guidelines and public health interventions.
- How does Greece's antibiotic consumption and prescription patterns contribute to antimicrobial resistance compared to EU averages?
- Mathematical models predict a substantial risk of future pandemics, highlighting the need for preparedness. The high number of H5N1 cases in poultry, coupled with human infections, underscores this risk. Surveillance of human-animal interfaces is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the urgency of pandemic preparedness and the dangers of antibiotic resistance. The use of phrases like "silent pandemic" and "major threat" sets a tone of alarm. While important, this could be balanced with more reassuring information about ongoing efforts to address these issues.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but phrases such as "silent pandemic" and "major threat" are loaded and could be replaced with more objective terms like "significant public health challenge" or "serious concern."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the threat of new pandemics and antibiotic resistance, but omits discussion of other significant public health threats. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, mentioning other major concerns would provide a more balanced perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the threats of emerging infectious diseases like avian influenza (H5N1) and antimicrobial resistance. The potential for a new pandemic and the high mortality rate associated with antimicrobial resistance directly impact global health and well-being. The high antibiotic consumption in Greece, particularly the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics, exacerbates the issue of antimicrobial resistance, undermining efforts to improve global health.