In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that shook the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarm about the looming threat of “Disease X,” placing it on the priority list of potential diseases that could cause the next deadly global outbreak. With a renewed sense of urgency, scientists and health experts are urging increased surveillance and funding to prepare for the potential emergence of this unknown pathogen.
“Disease X” is a term used by the WHO to represent the potential for a serious international epidemic caused by a pathogen that is currently unknown to cause human disease. It could be a novel virus, bacterium, or fungus for which no known treatments or preventive measures exist. The WHO introduced this term in 2018, and within a year, the world witnessed the devastating impact of COVID-19, underscoring the need for preparedness against unknown pathogens.
In a recent statement, the WHO Chief warned that the world must brace itself for the possibility of the next pandemic, which could be even deadlier than COVID-19. This has triggered a fresh interest in the list of priority diseases on the WHO’s website, with particular concern surrounding “Disease X.” While diseases such as Ebola, SARS, and Zika are familiar to us, the inclusion of “Disease X” has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the nature of this potential threat.
Experts suggest that the next Disease X outbreak could be zoonotic in nature, similar to Ebola and COVID-19, meaning it could jump from animals to humans. Recent cases of H5N1 bird flu in Cambodia serve as a stark reminder of the constant risk of zoonotic diseases. However, some researchers also warn that a future pandemic could potentially be engineered by humans, highlighting the need for preparedness against both natural and man-made threats.
To mitigate the risk posed by Disease X, health experts are calling for increased surveillance systems worldwide. Early detection and monitoring of potential disease outbreaks are crucial to implementing effective containment measures promptly. Additionally, they emphasize the urgent need for additional funding to support research and development of countermeasures, including the development of diagnostic tools, vaccines, and therapeutics.
The WHO’s priority list includes several other diseases that pose significant global health concerns, such as Marburg virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever, Nipah and henipaviral diseases, Rift Valley fever, and Middle East respiratory syndrome. However, Disease X stands out due to its enigmatic nature, serving as a reminder that the next pandemic could emerge from an unexpected source.
As the world gradually recovers from the impact of COVID-19, the warning from the WHO Chief serves as a stark reminder that global health security requires ongoing vigilance and preparedness. Efforts must be intensified to identify, monitor, and develop strategies to combat potential threats, ensuring that humanity remains better equipped to tackle future pandemics and protect the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.
