The World Health Organization is using the term “Disease X” when referring to an infection that has the potential to spark the next epidemic or a new pandemic .
What is Disease X?
In 2018, Disease X was added to the World Health Organization list of pathogens requiring extensive research . In this document, there are also more familiar lethal diseases, for example, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Ebola.
By giving this possible hazard the name “Disease X,” experts wanted to draw attention to the importance of taking all the necessary measures in advance to resist the disease for which there are no vaccines and cure agents and which, when spreading, can become widespread epidemics .
What extent of harm can Disease X potentially inflict?
Nearly 2 years after the report, in 2023, healthcare experts warned that a new pandemic could be horrifying far worse than COVID-19 – indeed, it might kill tens of millions.
Specifically, the WHO underlined the danger presented in this disease – Disease X, with the pathogenicity index (PI) of 0.4 and lethality of 2.4% – and its capability of killing 50 million individuals globally .
Why are people talking about it now?
After attending the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week, the World Health Organization warns global leaders about the future threats of pandemics. Talking about the necessity of proactive actions, the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that “this is not the last pandemic, nor even the last health crisis” .
The President also discussed the preparations of the World Health Organization for the future outbreak. While outlining a number of their strategies, he talked specifically about their work in designing a pandemic fund and erecting a “technology transfer hub” in South Africa. The latter project was primarily designed for localizing the vaccine production and solving the issue of the vaccine distribution among high-income and low-income countries.
What measures are scientists taking to prepare for Disease X?
This does not mean that scientists are simply waiting, they actively work on platform technologies that will allow them to quickly create solutions to combat Disease X.
Thus, experts from the University of Oxford investigate how the Covid-19 vaccine can be adapted to successfully combat Disease X, and at the same time actively consider the possibility of rapid development of new vaccines to protect humanity from other threats.
According to the World Health Organization , early cross-cutting research and development preparedness that relates to Disease X, is of paramount importance to WHO. It is anticipated that the primary agenda of the deliberations in Davos will be focused on increasing global collaboration, coherence, management, and financing to avoid the recurrence of pandemics such as COVID-19’s health and socio-economic emergency.
There is also significant progress in setting up institutions that will help secure the environment at the global level such as the Pandemic Fund and the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence. While the World Health Organization has yet to forecast the specific virus that might result in Disease X, experts think it is highly likely to be a respiratory virus .
Where might Disease X, a pathogen, originate from?
Adalja states that Disease X is the fatal pathogen, such as a respiratory virus, might already be present in animal species so far, but they have not yet developed the ability to transmit it to humans. It may be similar to COVID-19 out of bats or bird flu from birds. Other swine species may also contain such viruses. The crucial interaction factor is between humans and animals is the chance that these types of viruses will develop.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Disease X a specific disease?
In the prevailing understanding, the term “disease X” is not classed as one of the existing sicknesses. Instead, it is a temporary name formally adopted by the World Health Organization to represent an unknown pathogen which may cause a worldwide pandemic. It can be best associated with a trump card forecasting the future spread.
Why is Disease X in the news then?
This reflects that even in the face of the current challenge of infectious diseased, the possibility of another outbreak of infectious disease remains valid. Hence, even as we focus on the preparedness in line with the COVID-19, we should also pay attention to the need to promote and invest more in research and development of broad-spectrum agents and, on detects, adaptively passed deep in response.
Is Disease X potentially more lethal than COVID-19?
Regarding Disease X, it is warned that it could become much more infectious and have a much higher mortality rate . Therefore, international organizations are giving top priority to identifying unknown pathogens.
Was COVID-19 a Disease X?
Yes, COVID-19 is a Disease X in every possible relationship and justifies the necessity to be always on the alert.
How can I safeguard myself against Disease X?
Disease X is a new disease that is not unknown yet, but some general measures can be taken to avoid being infected by the numerous infections that might cause pandemics. Normal handwashing and avoiding going outside when feeling sick are essential methods that can be done to avoid any infectious illnesses. In addition, being informed about public health advice, as well as getting immunized against preventable serious infections, can help increase overall resistance .
Will there ever be a vaccine for Disease X?
It is hard to say because the identity of the Disease X is not certain. Nevertheless, the current studies proliferate the research of universal vaccines will help overcome different viruses by attacking their common features. In that way, it might provide a good level of the defense from the possible unknown pathogens later on.
How do international organizations contribute preparing for Disease X?
The World Health Organization also has a crucial role in the coordination of global research efforts, the development of the outbreak readiness protocols, and the enhancement of international cooperation. It will seek to secure funding for scientific research and innovation to be well-prepared for any threats that Disease X might ultimately present.
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