Lessons learned from the first pandemic of the 21st century, global experience, recommendations, and future directions

Abstract

Abstract Viral outbreaks do occur regularly but the severity of outcome may vary. Genetic reassortment gives rise to novel viral strains causing new outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential against which mankind is not prepared to fight. The early 21st century has witnessed pandemics like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2, and novel influenzas (avian and swine), originating from specific geographical regions and transmitting across the globe causing heavy damages in all sectors. Here, in this chapter we focus mainly on SARS-CoV with reference to other similar respiratory infections like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. The lessons learned so far in the early 21st century are discussed with emphasis on future directions.