Disease X: Here's everything we know so far
Disease X is raising concern as a potential pandemic on the horizon, especially after WHO warned that it could even be deadlier than COVID-19. Although scientists are still studying to find the unknown pathogen and are yet to identify its nature, the term came into existence way back as a new disease agent. Here is everything we know so far.
Here's what our expert says
Disease X is not a group of signs and symptoms attributable to an infectious agent. Disease X is an assumed name for the next pandemic that affects the world in a manner that Spanish Flu did in the 19th century and COVID did in 2020. It's a term to generate awareness and to gather resources to make contingencies for the next global-level event.
What is Disease X?
Shortlisted in 2018, Disease X represents an unidentified pathogen with the potential to induce a fatal disease. The objective is global readiness and prompt vaccination and treatment administration upon the outbreak of this impending pandemic. Scientists suggest Disease X may be a novel zoonotic agent, like a virus, bacterium, or fungus, similar to Ebola or COVID-19, emphasizing the need for preparedness.
Here's what the WHO says about it
Per WHO, Disease X "represents the knowledge that a serious international epidemic could be caused by a pathogen currently unknown to cause human disease." It has been mentioned alongside COVID-19, Ebola, Zika, SARS, MERS, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Nipah-henipaviral diseases, Rift Valley fever, and Lassa fever.
Some researchers think it might be a human-made virus
While acknowledging the potential of Disease X as a naturally occurring pathogen, some researchers do not dismiss the prospect of it being a human-engineered virus, potentially a bioterrorism weapon. A study published in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology in 2021 warns that the accidental release or deliberate use of such pathogens could result in a catastrophic Disease X.
This isn't the stuff of science fiction: Dr. Richard Hatchett
While many may have dissed the report on Disease X issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Richard Hatchett from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, in his statement to Moneycontrol, stated, "This isn't the stuff of science fiction. This is a scenario we have to prepare for. This is Disease X." Its implications should not be taken lightly, he added.
What are medical experts saying?
To control Disease X's outbreak, medical professionals from around the world are advocating for increased funding and surveillance support. "The COVID-19 pandemic was not the first to wreak havoc on the world, and it will not be the last. Thus, we need to prepare for the next outbreak as soon as possible," say authors of an article published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
