It can be caused by microorganisms that have been frozen for many years.
Scientists from the Laboratory of Information Genomes and Structure (IGS-CNRS) in Marseille, France, have warned that the virus that has been frozen in the Arctic for more than 30,000 years could cause a new pandemic.
Global warming and increased human activity in the region are accelerating the thawing process, making it possible for ancient viruses, including the "zombie virus" Siberian virus, to be released, leading to the emergence of new diseases.
Researchers have isolated strains of the "zombie virus" to prevent its potential global spread. Plans are underway to establish a surveillance network in the Arctic to identify and thaw any possible diseases caused by the virus.
The "zombie virus" was found in the Siberian permafrost in northwestern Siberia, where it has been frozen for thousands of years. The virus got its name from its ability to resurrect after a long period of inactivity.
The scientists' findings have raised concerns about the possibility that ancient viruses could lead to global outbreaks if not properly managed.
Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans commented on the situation, highlighting the uncertainty of the virus in permafrost.
Koopmans said that while the exact virus is not yet known, there is a real risk of triggering disease outbreaks, such as an ancient form of polio.
We don't know what viruses are in the permafrost, but I think there's a real risk, maybe one that could trigger a disease outbreak – like an ancient form of polio," Koopmans told the Guardian.
We have to assume that something like this could happen.
The possibility of such events highlights the need for preventive measures and surveillance to prevent and respond to emerging infectious threats from thawed Arctic microorganisms.