Laureates urge virus research
The 2019 Prince Mahidol Award recipients said yesterday that urgent research was needed to gain a thorough understanding of the Wuhan coronavirus.
German virologist Ralf Bartenschlager and British physician David Mabey, who specialises in infectious and tropical diseases, spoke at a press conference yesterday.
Dr Bartenschlager said the new coronavirus, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei province, needs further study.
The source of the outbreak has been traced to wildlife sold at a market. Human-to-human transmission has also been confirmed, though researchers are now racing to find out more about the virus.
Without complete knowledge about the virus, authorities’ ability to contain its spread is compromised, said Dr Bartenschlager, adding he agreed with China’s decision to lock down Wuhan.
The priority now was to conduct urgent research on the virus, he said.
Meanwhile, Prof Mabey said the new coronavirus appeared to be less severe in its effects than the viruses that caused outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
He believed a vaccine will be developed to fight the spread of coronavirus.
Dr Bartenschlager of the University of Heidelberg, and Prof Mabey of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, are renowned for their work in their respective fields.
Dr Bartenschlager specialises in the study of hepatitis C and B viruses and comparative analyses of flaviviruses (Dengue and Zikavirus).
Prof Mabey is an expert on communicable diseases, having published more than 200 research papers.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will represent His Majesty the King in presiding over the presentation ceremony at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall today.
The Prince Mahidol Award Foundation under royal patronage was established on Jan 1, 1992, a century after the birth of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla.
The Princess serves as president of the foundation.