To date, no cases of human infection due to viruses found in Siberian permafrost have been reported. It may contain potentially infectious agents, but so far scientists have not encountered viruses that pose a danger to humanity. stated virologist Alexey Agranovsky in a conversation with the Public News Service.
Previously, the British publication The Guardian reported that humanity may face a new epidemic due to zombie viruses discovered in permafrost. During experiments, scientists found that thawed viruses can infect single-celled organisms.
“Not a single case of infection in humans or animals has been recorded. From the samples, viruses capable of reproducing in amoebae were isolated, and DNA fragments of herpes viruses and smallpox viruses were also found, but this does not imply the existence of an immediate danger,” explained Agranovsky.
The expert also added that the possibility that infectious agents may be found in permafrost that scientists do not yet know about cannot be ruled out. This issue needs to be followed by experts.
Remember that, according to scientists, global warming caused by ice they can set themselves free Ancient Siberian viruses that can trigger epidemics of unknown diseases. To prevent this, they plan to create an Arctic monitoring network that will detect diseases caused by ancient microorganisms.
Previously recognizedThat Russia will build the first hotel on the rocks in the Arctic.