TED-Ed: How do viruses jump from animals to humans? - Ben Longdon

The video discusses a swine flu outbreak at a fair, highlighting how viruses can jump from animals to humans, potentially causing epidemics. It explains the stages of viral infection, using human influenza as an example, and the challenges viruses face in infecting new species. The video also covers the role of mutations in cross-species infections and the efforts of virologists to predict and prevent potential epidemics.

What was the initial concern at the fair that led to the discovery of swine flu?

• The barns were overcrowded.

• The fairgoers were not enjoying the event.

• The pigs were showing signs of illness.

• The pigs were not winning prizes.

What is the primary challenge for a virus when it first enters a new host?

• Finding a suitable cell to infect.

• Replicating its genetic material.

• Transmitting to another host.

• Avoiding detection by the immune system.

Why do most viruses fail to infect new species?

• They are destroyed by the environment.

• They lack the necessary mutations.

• The genetic dissimilarity is too great.

• They are not exposed to new species.

How do virologists contribute to preventing potential epidemics?

• By eliminating all viruses.

• By isolating infected individuals permanently.

• By creating new viruses.

• By monitoring populations for outbreaks.

What increases the likelihood of a virus successfully jumping to a new host?

• A strong immune response.

• A high mutation rate.

• A closely related new species.

• A large number of hosts.