5 reasons to follow the MOOC “Viral outbreaks and pandemics: A one-health concept”

While infectious diseases were thought to be under control thanks to hygiene, antibiotics, and vaccines, viral outbreaks have intensified in recent decades. COVID-19, with 7 million direct deaths and lasting socio-economic impacts, was a stark reminder. This trend is due less to a decline in sanitary standards than to increased spillover to humans from animal reservoirs, the acceleration of international exchanges, and ecological consequences of climate change. These phenomena illustrate the “One Health” approach, at the interface of human, animal, and environmental health.

Here are 5 important reasons to follow this MOOC:

1 -  Recognize the risk of transmission to humans of viruses originating from wild animal reservoirs

The majority of recent viral emergences have a zoonotic origin. Human–wildlife–domestic animal interfaces multiply the opportunities for crossing the species barrier. Transmission can occur through direct contact, via vectors (mosquitoes, ticks), or through food.

2 - Understand the molecular mechanisms that facilitate spillover to humans and subsequent human-to-human transmission

Mutations, recombinations, or reassortments are responsible for the spillover from animals to humans, and then for possible human-to-human transmission. This is the current risk with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

3 - Analyze how human density and international mobility promote dissemination

Urbanization, megacities, and international travels and trade allow an emerging viral agent to circulate and spread at high speed, before being detected and before alert and screening procedures are initiated. Humanitarian crises and forced displacements further increase this risk of transmission.

4 - Assess the impact of climate change on emergence

Climate change and the expansion of human habitats at the expense of biodiversity bring humans closer to wildlife, alter the distribution ranges of vectors (expanding northward and to higher altitude), and extend transmission seasons. The expansion of Zika into temperate zones is a perfect illustration of this.

5 - Master the basics of surveillance, screening, and integrated prevention

Preparedness relies on surveillance systems coordinated across human, animal, and environmental health, on the rapid identification of pathogens, and on proportionate, evidence-based control measures. A concerted “One Health” approach improves early detection and the effectiveness of preventive measures."

To register and find out more, click here

Institut Pasteur

Enrollment : From November 13, 2025 to January 12, 2027
Course : From January 13, 2026 to January 12, 2027

This training is part of the Digital Diploma in Infectious Diseases of the Institut Pasteur (DNM2IP). https://www.pasteur.fr/fr/DNM2IP