NEW TYPES OF VIRUSES. THEIR DANGERS AND PREVENTION
Urokova Nargiza daughter of Sherali
1st year student of the Faculty of Medicine, Tashkent State Medical University
ABSTRACT
The article analyzes the causes of the emergence of these new types of viruses and the problems associated with human factors. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid mutation of viruses and the emergence of new strains is a global problem. The article covers the ways of transmission of viruses, their effects on the body and the severity of the disease. , the importance of vaccination and preventive treatment, obtaining immunity – the importance of observing personal hygiene rules. In this, researchers serve to update the monitoring and management of a healthy lifestyle among the population.
Keywords: virus, immunity, problem, hygiene, complication, vaccination, construction, research.
Introduction
In recent virology and epidemiology, the evolution of strains and the emergence of new strains are a serious problem for the global health system. The high level of mutational activity of viruses changes pathogenicity, the process of spread and epidemiological support, adapting to new infectious conditions. This was especially evident after the COVID-19 pandemic, which confirmed the ability of viruses to adapt to new variants in a short time and spread around the world. In modern conditions, in-depth study of the mechanisms of origin of viruses, biological problems and their subsequent pathophysiological effects on the human body has a great scientific and practical impact. At the same time, the development of measures for the prevention of diseases, early and effective treatment of viruses remains one of the stable directions of science.
MAIN PART
Understanding viruses:
Viruses are non-cellular, very small infectious agents that reproduce only inside the cells of a living organism. They are obligate intracellular parasites, that is, they cannot independently carry out their vital activity. Viruses structurally consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein shell – capsid – surrounding it. Some viruses also have an additional lipid shell. Viruses have unique biological properties; when they enter a cell, they control its genetic apparatus and force it to synthesize new virus particles. As a result of this process, the cell’s activity is disrupted or completely destroyed. Viruses are causative agents of various diseases. For example, diseases such as influenza, measles and hepatitis B are caused by viruses. They can be transmitted to the human body through airborne droplets, blood, food or direct contact. One of the unique properties of viruses is their rapid changeability, that is, their tendency to mutation. This leads to the emergence of new virus strains and the further complication of existing diseases. Therefore, the study of viruses, the analysis of their structure and life cycle is one of the important directions of modern medicine.
Bird flu (type A influenza, H5N1)
Type A influenza viruses are found in both humans and many animals and mutate very quickly. In 2009, it was this type of virus, H1N1, that caused a global pandemic and killed more than 280,000 people worldwide in its first year. This virus is known as “swine flu” and was first identified in pigs in Mexico.
The experience with swine flu today is increasing concerns about bird flu. Because type A influenza viruses have the ability to jump from animals to humans, mix with each other, and form new and more dangerous forms. Therefore, in recent years, experts have been paying special attention to the H5N1 bird flu virus. The virus was first reported in humans in southern China in 1997. It spread to several countries through wild birds. In 2024, it was first detected in dairy cattle in the United States, spreading to several states.
The virus’s jump from birds to mammals, such as cattle, is a major concern for experts. It could be a repeat of the 2009 swine flu outbreak. Studies have also shown that it has been transmitted from cows to humans.
Infectious disease doctor Patrick Jackson said that in 2026, scientists will closely monitor whether the H5N1 virus has reached the stage of human-to-human transmission. If the virus reaches this stage, it could cause a new global pandemic, like swine flu. Currently, existing flu vaccines do not fully protect against H5N1, and experts are working on new vaccines against this virus.
Mpox
Previously known as “monkey pox”, the mpox virus was first identified in the 1950s. It mainly spreads among rodents and occasionally infects humans. Mpox is similar to smallpox and causes a fever and a painful rash that lasts for several weeks. There are two main types of the virus: clade I, which is more severe, and clade II, which is milder. There is a vaccine for mpox, but there is no effective treatment.
In 2022, clade II mpox spread globally, reaching more than 100 countries where the virus had not previously been reported. Spread occurred through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Since 2024, there has been an increase in clade I mpox cases in Central Africa. As of August 2025, four cases of clade I mpox have been identified in the United States, including in people who had not traveled to Africa. It is not yet clear how mpox will develop in 2026.
Oropouche
This virus is transmitted by insects. It was first identified in the 1950s on the island of Trinidad. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and very small biting flies, which are invisible to the naked eye. The disease is accompanied by fever, headache and muscle aches, and in some cases, weakness can last for several weeks. Sometimes the disease recurs after recovery. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. Previously, the spread of the infection was limited to the Amazon region. However, since the 2000s, cases have also been detected in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. In the United States, it is more common in tourists returning from abroad. In 2026, the Oropouche virus could pose a risk to travelers to the United States. The insects that carry the virus are also found in North and South America, including the southeastern United States.
Other viral threats
There are many viruses that could pose a threat to human health in 2026. One of them is the chikungunya virus. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and has been spreading rapidly in various regions in recent years. It is considered especially dangerous for those traveling to tropical and subtropical regions. Vaccination against this virus is recommended in some countries.
In addition, against the background of declining vaccination rates, measles cases are increasing in the United States and other regions of the world. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications in unvaccinated children and adults. Another worrying situation is the possibility of a resurgence of HIV infection. Experts attribute this to the interruption of international financial and medical assistance programs in some regions. If treatment and prevention programs are disrupted, the risk of a large-scale spread of the virus increases.
Viruses often jump from animals to humans or appear in new areas due to climate and environmental changes. Experts say that in order to prevent such risks, it is necessary to strengthen constant epidemiological surveillance, develop new vaccines and effective treatment methods.
The effect of viruses on the human body:
Viruses are obligate (obligatory, necessary, able to live only in such conditions) intracellular parasites, which are able to multiply only inside living cells. After entering the human body, viruses bind to special receptors on the cell membrane and enter the cell, introducing their genetic material (DNA or RNA).
As a result, the normal metabolic processes of the cell are disrupted, and the synthesis of virus components begins. This leads to structural and functional damage to the cell, and in some cases, its death.
The effect of viruses on the body depends on their biological properties, virulence and the state of the body’s immune system. Some viruses damage the respiratory system, while others affect the nervous system, liver or blood cells. For example, the influenza virus mainly affects the respiratory system and causes inflammation, while the hepatitis B virus damages liver cells. In response to a viral infection, the body develops immune responses. During this process, lymphocytes become activated, produce antibodies, and try to destroy the virus. However, in some cases, excessive activation of the immune system can lead to additional tissue damage
Clinically, viral infections are manifested by various symptoms: fever, general weakness, muscle pain, the development of inflammatory signs and functional disorders. Some viruses cause acute diseases, while others can be chronic and cause the development of long-term complications. Therefore, a thorough study of the pathogenesis of viruses is important for improving diagnostic, treatment and preventive measures.
Prevention of viral infections:
Prevention of viral infections is one of the important areas of modern medicine, which includes a set of preventive measures. First of all, compliance with personal hygiene rules is a key factor in reducing the spread of viruses. Regular hand washing with soap, the use of antiseptic agents and avoiding direct contact with dirty surfaces significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Also, to prevent airborne transmission of viruses, it is recommended to wear masks in public places, ventilate rooms frequently and avoid crowded places as much as possible. Reducing contact with the source of infection is an important component of epidemiological control.
One of the effective methods of prevention is vaccination. Vaccines create artificial immunity in the body, forming protective mechanisms against viruses. At the same time, leading a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, physical activity and sufficient rest increase the body’s resistance to viruses by strengthening the immune system.
In addition, compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements, ensuring food safety and regular medical examinations are important in the early detection and prevention of viral diseases. Therefore, the comprehensive implementation of preventive measures is effective in reducing the spread of viral infections.
LIST OF REFERENCES:
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O‘roqova Nargiza was born on March 26, 2001, in the Ishtikhon district of Samarkand region. She is currently a first-year grant-based student at Tashkent State Medical University.
Her professional career includes working as a biology teacher at School No. 33 in the Ishtikhon district of Samarkand region during the 2024–2025 academic year. She graduated from the Faculty of Biology at Jizzakh State Pedagogical University in the 2020–2024 academic years.
She is proficient in English, Russian, Arabic, and Turkish languages. She has published an anthology book on Lulu.com. She is the author of more than 10 articles and the holder of nearly 30 certificates, and she is recognized as a young researcher.