Scientists are raising alarm bells about the potential threat of ancient viruses that have been dormant for thousands of years in Arctic permafrost. The melting of the Arctic permafrost due to global warming could release these so-called ‘zombie viruses,’ triggering a catastrophic global health emergency, according to a report in The Guardian.
Researchers, including geneticist Jean-Michel Claverie of Aix-Marseille University and scientist Marion Koopmans of the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, have emphasized the need to focus on the risks associated with these viruses. While current pandemic analyses primarily concentrate on diseases emerging in southern regions and spreading north, there has been little attention given to the possibility of an outbreak originating in the far north and traveling south.
Claverie emphasized, “There are viruses up there that have the potential to infect humans and start a new disease outbreak.” Koopmans supported this view, expressing concern about the unknown viruses in the permafrost, speculating that one might have the capacity to trigger a disease outbreak, possibly an ancient form of polio.
In a previous study, Claverie and his team demonstrated the ability of live viruses, buried in Siberian permafrost for thousands of years, to infect single-celled creatures. The investigation identified several virus strains from various Siberian locations, including a virus sample dating back 48,500 years. However, it’s essential to note that the isolated viruses in the study only infected amoebae and posed no risk to humans.
The Northern Hemisphere has about a fifth of its landmass covered in permafrost, acting as a natural time capsule that preserves the mummified remains of extinct creatures alongside ancient viruses. The region is experiencing accelerated warming compared to the global average.
One significant concern is the disappearance of Arctic sea ice due to global warming, leading to increased shipping, traffic, and industrial activities in Siberia. Planned mining operations, involving drilling into deep permafrost to extract oil and ores, could release substantial amounts of pathogens. These released pathogens, thriving in the permafrost, could pose a serious risk if inhaled by miners, potentially leading to calamitous health effects.
The findings underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the potential health risks associated with the melting Arctic permafrost and the importance of addressing the broader impacts of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems.