Should we treat pandemic risks like we treat the risk of fires?

Society · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 devastated the city, it sparked a massive cultural shift in how we defend against fire. Epidemiologist Jennifer B. Nuzzo argues that pandemics require a similar societal reaction: proactive data gathering, readiness drills, and robust defenses to prevent inevitable outbreaks from becoming global catastrophes.

To prevent future outbreaks from escalating, experts suggest we must strengthen the entire response chain, from initial pathogen identification to mass vaccination. A primary focus is monitoring zoonoses—pathogens that circulate in animals before jumping to humans. Because global trade and travel can rapidly spread a virus once it enters a human population, identifying high-risk hotspots where humans and animals interact is essential for early detection. The World Health Organization has already identified several priority diseases with pandemic potential. These include Marburg, Lassa fever, and Nipah virus infection. Key priority diseases include Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever and Ebola. It is vital to regulate hygiene standards at animal slaughter markets to reduce these risks.

Another critical pillar is global genetic sequencing. To develop diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutics, scientists must quickly obtain and share the genetic sequences of emerging viruses. While this was handled effectively with SARS-CoV-2, many countries still lack this capability. Without widespread sequencing ability, a virus could spread silently for weeks, as seen during the 2014 Ebola surge in Guinea, delaying vital responses like vaccine reformulation. Investing in sequencing technology everywhere prevents dangerous delays. This ensures that scientists can quickly identify what they are fighting.

Finally, the global community must address manufacturing vulnerabilities and vaccine inequality. Recent outbreaks, including swine flu, COVID-19, and monkeypox, have demonstrated that relying on charitable donations from wealthy nations is an ineffective model. Currently, high-income countries control the majority of the supply, leaving low-income nations with very little. Building decentralized manufacturing capabilities is necessary to ensure equitable access and a more resilient global health security system. The fragility of current production models was exposed by COVID-19. We must move beyond the current system of unequal distribution.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Why we treat fires as a threat but pandemics as a surprise
• The next pandemic is a matter of when, not if
• Why humanity remains vulnerable to recurring global health threats
• Why our modern world is more vulnerable to global outbreaks
• Why stopping a global outbreak requires more than just biology and medicine
• Can cities be redesigned to prioritize equity and human connection?
• Why does fewer than seven percent of the world hold a bachelor's degree?
• Why the .38 Special is a misnomer that defined a century of American policing.
• The secret to precise tattoos is actually a painting technique
• How a tablet attachment turns a room into a digital twin
• How to find your next move when you are stuck in chess
• The geometric secret to choosing your perfect hair part

More in Society · Latest · A–Z · All topics