More emerging infectious diseases on their way, says Yuen Kwok-yung

University of Hong Kong health expert Yuen Kwok-yung, along with two other scholars, wrote in an article published Wednesday that the Covid-19 pandemic is not the last major viral outbreak, with more emerging infectious diseases coming in the future. The experts also suggested the need for reflection on how to prepare and respond to future outbreaks.

The article noted that besides the coronavirus, influenza is the most potential source for causing a pandemic.

The experts said the next major outbreak could be caused by influenza viruses originating from birds and pigs, and genetic reassortment may lead to severe infections and even resistance to antiviral drugs and seasonal flu vaccines.

The scholars emphasize the importance of establishing high-quality scientific research and rapid response plans, as well as continued epidemiological surveillance at local markets and entry points.

The University of Hong Kong will also collaborate with scholars from different regions to keep tabs on emerging infectious diseases, said the scholars.

Meanwhile, commenting on Hong Kong’s fight against Covid, the three scholars said the city - during the first two years of the pandemic, never implemented a city-wide lockdown or conducted mass testing, but still managed to maintain a strict zero-Covid policy to secure a safe environment for its citizens, promote vaccination, and build resilience against the virus. 

They acknowledge Hong Kong's achievements in the fight but expressed regret that a significant number of elderly and chronically ill individuals had still lost their lives after they hesitated to get vaccinated due to various reasons during the pandemic.