In a world still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new and enigmatic threat has emerged on the global health radar. Dubbed “Disease X” by the World Health Organization (WHO), this mysterious pathogen is now listed alongside notorious diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, Lassa fever, MERS, Nipah, and Zika as a potential catalyst for a future pandemic.
What is Disease X?
According to the WHO website, Disease X is the term used to signify the possibility of a serious international epidemic stemming from a pathogen that is currently unknown to cause human disease. It represents the unsettling reality that a new agent—whether it be a virus, bacterium, or fungus—could emerge without any known treatments or preventive measures in place.
While Disease X is not a new disease per se, the WHO officially adopted the term in 2018 to highlight the potential of a hitherto unidentified pathogen to trigger a widespread outbreak, much like what we have experienced with COVID-19.
The WHO’s Research and Development Blueprint
Recognizing the need to be prepared for the unknown, the WHO has been collaborating with scientists to develop a customizable formula for creating vaccines. This forward-thinking approach allows researchers to sequence the unique genetic makeup of a virus responsible for a disease during an outbreak and swiftly use the data to develop a tailored vaccine.
The genesis of this initiative can be traced back to the Ebola emergency in West Africa in 2014. It serves as a testament to the importance of proactive global health preparedness in the face of unpredictable and potentially devastating health crises.
The Ongoing Threat of Variants
While Disease X poses an alarming hypothetical, the world is not free from the immediate danger posed by existing pathogens. In August, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) brought attention to a highly mutated lineage of the virus responsible for COVID-19, known as BA.2.86. This variant, which carries an extensive number of mutations, has been detected in the United States, Denmark, and Israel.
The WHO has classified BA.2.86 as a “variant under monitoring,” underscoring the need for continued vigilance and research as we confront an ever-evolving threat landscape.
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inclusion of Disease X on the WHO’s priority list serves as a stark reminder of the importance of global collaboration, research, and preparedness in the face of emerging health crises. While we cannot predict the future, we can strive to be better equipped to confront the unknown.
Sources By Agencies
