The current predominant strain of the novel coronavirus is JN.1, which still exhibits strong transmissibility but significantly weakened pathogenicity, said Zhong Nanshan in an interview on March 29.
Zhong, Chinese Academy of Engineering academician and director of Guangzhou National Laboratory, also shed light on the technological progress of the Guangzhou National Laboratory.
(Photo: GDToday)
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently warned that the public should get prepared for "Disease X", stating that the next pandemic outbreak is not a matter of "if" but "when," urging readiness to combat it.
"Because this is about a common enemy and without a shared response, starting from preparedness, we will face the same problem as COVID," Tedros said.
Zhong believes that WHO's emphasis on "Disease X" is aimed at maintaining public vigilance. He revealed that current research has identified 21 out of the top 50 potential pathogens transmitted from animals to humans as coronaviruses. Vigilance is crucial if multiple individuals within a household are infected with the same coronavirus.
However, Zhong also expressed that excessive emphasis on the dangers of "Disease X" is inappropriate at present. "I don't believe it's an imminent problem that requires exaggerated attention."
Reporter | Hannah, Xie Chunhong (intern)
Photo | Zhang Tianxiong
Editor | Nan, Will, James
