Disease X, Infection X, priority Disease list, Priority pathogens. Disease-X Pandemic
What is Disease X??
After COVID -19 , Top Virologist in World Issued Alarming Warning , for a bigger pandemic to hit Humans. This new unknown hypothetical pathogen that could cause a future epidemic is termed as DISEASE X by World Health Organization
This has caught people’s attention as Top Virologists in China and UK health experts warned about the ‘next pandemic’. Kate Bingham, chairperson of the UK Vaccine Taskforce has warned that the next major pandemic could kill millions more than COVID-19.
How this Disease X is coming?
Disease X might describe as a novel pathogen, which could be a virus, bacterium, or fungus, and for which there are currently no established treatments available. It is a hypothetical pathogen. This term DISEASE X is termed by WHO contains, all possible priority diseases which has potential to turn into pandemic
During the conversation with the Daily Mail, Bingham pitched the importance of worldwide preparedness for carrying out large-scale vaccination campaigns and swiftly distributes vaccines. She emphasized the critical nature of the situation, and warns about the theoretical Disease X and the extremely contagious measles, coupled with a harrowing 67 percent fatality rate akin to Ebola. As per Bingham, as long as Disease X persists in spreading somewhere across the globe, it’s merely a question of time before someone becomes afflicted.
What are the symptoms of Disease X?
As Disease X is a theoretical pathogen with the potential to trigger future epidemics, it lacks specific associated symptoms. Disease X represents that a severe global epidemic could be induced by a pathogen not presently recognized as causing human illness. It’s essential to clarify that Disease X is not an actual disease but rather a term used to depict an unknown pathogen causing an epidemic in the future.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has included Disease X in its list of “priority diseases” on its website, alongside Covid-19, Ebola, Lassa fever, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), Nipah, and Zika, all of which have previously led to widespread fatalities during outbreaks.
How Disease X it affects in Humans
Please note that since Disease X is hypothetical, there are no known symptoms or treatments associated with it at this time. The WHO is collaborating with scientists to develop adaptable vaccine formulations in preparation for such a potential scenario.
How can we prepare for Disease X?
We not need to scared but keeping ourselves prepared and aware is important.
To get ready for a possible future epidemic caused by Disease X,
– Worldwide collaboration is much needed. Now no City, Country or Continent can remain unlink. International collaboration in sharing information , medicine and procedure is required.
– Research: Government or Private funded ongoing research with adequate funding is need.
– Upgraded HealthCare System – In Covid-19, We have seen reality four healthcare systems . We need to build them more robust and pandemic prepared
– Prevent overuse of Antibiotics – Wisely use antimicrobial management to fight against drug-resistant germs.
– Active Lifestyle: As Human we need to follow active lifestyle. Minimum 150 heart point per week we must target to achieve . This helps to keep morbidity low . We would have more healthy community .
 By identifying viruses with the potential to grow into next Disease X, the global health community and governments can better act when a pandemic threat emerges.
What are priority diseases ?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified several diseases as “priority diseases” on its website. These diseases are considered to pose a bigger risk to public health due to their potential for causing epidemics. About these diseases there is absence or inadequacy of effective awareness and Medical Facilities. Here are some of the diseases that the WHO has designated as priorities:
1. COVID-19: The ongoing pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a profound impact on global health and economies worldwide.
2. Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever: This viral disease, transmitted by ticks, can lead to severe haemorrhagic fever in humans.
3. Ebola Virus Disease and Marburg Virus Disease: Both are severe and often fatal illnesses caused by viruses belonging to the Filoviridae family.
4. Lassa Fever: An acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces.
5. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS): A viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS-CoV coronavirus, first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
6. Nipah Virus Infection: A zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, causing severe respiratory illness and encephalitis.
7. Zika Virus Disease: A mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause birth defects in infants born to infected mothers.
It’s important to note that these priority diseases have already resulted in widespread fatalities during outbreaks. The WHO’s R&D Blueprint aims to support research and development efforts for these diseases, including Disease X, by collaborating with scientists to develop customizable formulas for vaccine development.
Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive, and the WHO continually monitors and updates its list of priority pathogens based on emerging threats and scientific advancements.
References:
1: WHO – Prioritizing diseases for research and development in emergency contexts 2: DownToEarth – WHO’s updated priority pathogen list to be out by early 2023 3: JAMA Network – WHO’s Blueprint List of Priority Diseases