Tomorrow’s biggest microbial threats

Although many health experts around the world must stay focused on the ongoing viral pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, similar viruses and microbial organisms such as bacteria could create the next global killer. Experts discuss the most likely culprits.

In the midst of the winter rampage of COVID-19—with more than 92 million confirmed cases and closing in on 2 million deaths globally—it is difficult to even consider the possibility of something similar lying in wait for the next opening in human vulnerability to disease. But that is exactly what health experts around the world must contemplate to prevent or reduce the impact of other potential causes of a pandemic. Equally importantly, that thinking should already be underway, and it is.