Viruses In Melting Ice Caps

I think there was an X-Files episode devoted to this exact theory. It is a good question though. I imagine that if there is a virus that could survive the extreme cold temperature of the ice caps...we're doomed.

Such viruses that have been locked out of the "evolutionary loop" for a long time may be less likely to have an effect on current life forms. This would mitigate, but not completely eliminate, such concerns. Given the other ways viruses can arise and evolve, this additional source would probably be a small part of the picture, but still worth monitoring. Put it on the list, so to speak, but without panic.

After the "swine" flu, prepare for the "mammoth" flu... The symptoms include heavy feet, nose elongation and hair growth... Some of us might like this last one.

Are there people paid to imagine new causes of worry?

If I remember correctly, some Chinese emperors had exactly that: professional worriers. (Hei--not my problem!)

Very little chance, many viruses have a life time out of their host organism measured in minutes. That's probably just as well otherwise we'd all be dead (or have evolved a much better immune system).