Nipah virus ecology and the importance of understanding spillover for preventing pandemics
Title Talk
“Nipah virus ecology and the importance of understanding spillover for preventing pandemics“
THIS SPEAKER WILL BE IN PERSON IN FXB 301.
The event will be hybrid.
Speaker Information
Spillover of zoonotic viruses from wildlife into livestock and humans is largely driven by human activities that modify natural systems in ways that increase contact with wildlife. Infectious disease surveillance systems are frequently designed to identify human cases once they’ve been admitted to a hospital. As a result, index cases and asymptomatic cases are often missed, making it difficult to identify mechanisms of spillover. Understanding the pathways by which zoonotic pathogens infect livestock and people and measuring the frequency of exposure to these pathogens is essential for developing effective interventions that reduce the risk of viral spillover and disease emergence. Here we will discuss the drivers of viral spillover and focus on Nipah virus to illustrate a multidisciplinary approach that has helped characterize viral circulation, spillover risk, and develop interventions. We will also discuss current gaps in knowledge as outbreaks continue to occur in India and Bangladesh.
ⓘ Harvard Chan School hosts a diverse array of speakers, invited to share both scholarly research and personal perspectives. They do not speak for the School, and hosting them does not imply endorsement of their views, organizations, or employers.