The term ‘Disease X’ indicates the probability of a new infection or an existing pathogen that has mutated dangerously to become a global pandemic. (Image: Freepik)
Although the world has moved on after the Covid-19 pandemic, there is always a worry if there is global readiness for another possible pandemic – Disease X. The WHO has been vigilant in warning individuals across the globe about the possibility of Disease X in coming years, once again. They have used this umbrella term to refer to some unknown infectious condition that initially would have the potential to cause an epidemic, following which due to its high rates of mutation would turn itself into a pandemic.
Matter Of Concern
Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai recently, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said: “No. It’s better to anticipate something that may happen — because it has happened in our history many times – and prepare for it.”
Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai recently, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said: “No. It’s better to anticipate something that may happen — because it has happened in our history many times – and prepare for it.”
A quick dive into the past reveals that the coronaviruses, a large group of viruses, were solely responsible as the prime contenders for their role in creating a new pandemic, way before COVID-19 could knock our doors. This was before there did exist a pathogen — perhaps a different variant of coronavirus that had started spreading in China, in 2002.
This wasn’t any less fatal and killed 1 out of 10 of those it had infected, but it was detected and controlled. This term coined by scientists years ago is also a way for them to work on unknown infectious threats, for instance – the novel coronaviruses that caused Covid-19 rather than the already known ones, like the Ebola virus or such others.
Known Vs Unknown Causes
While Disease X could serve as a potential threat to any country in the world, the level of preparedness matters. Rosephil Audet, a Microbiologist from Mumbai says, “Depending on the pathogen in question, the amount of data already available pertaining to that particular pathogen, data on the infecting strain and the availability of vaccines/treatment presently there, one could gauge the fatality of any disease falling under the banner of Disease X.”
Known Vs Unknown Causes
While Disease X could serve as a potential threat to any country in the world, the level of preparedness matters. Rosephil Audet, a Microbiologist from Mumbai says, “Depending on the pathogen in question, the amount of data already available pertaining to that particular pathogen, data on the infecting strain and the availability of vaccines/treatment presently there, one could gauge the fatality of any disease falling under the banner of Disease X.”
Shedding some light on possibilities of its mode of spreading, Rosephil says, “These would most likely spread via the airborne, water route or zoonotic transmission as was also observed in the case of the Covid-19 pandemic.” She adds that the exact characteristics and modes of transmission perhaps could only be determined once the pathogen takes proper route and form, thereby projecting its true potential.
Potential Mates
Rosephil also shares that the WHO has recently come up with a list of pathogens such as dengue virus, influenza A virus, monkeypox virus in the list of microbes that could traverse and convert into a potential pandemic. She adds, “Nipah and Ebola viruses have already been on this list and yet continue to affect a number of individuals worldwide, including India.” This also suggests that a plethora of diseases, some well-known, others less familiar could pose a global threat.
Potential Mates
Rosephil also shares that the WHO has recently come up with a list of pathogens such as dengue virus, influenza A virus, monkeypox virus in the list of microbes that could traverse and convert into a potential pandemic. She adds, “Nipah and Ebola viruses have already been on this list and yet continue to affect a number of individuals worldwide, including India.” This also suggests that a plethora of diseases, some well-known, others less familiar could pose a global threat.
Be it Flu strains that have caused global pandemics several times in the past few years, including one of the most brutal, unforgiving and deadliest disease outbreaks ever — the Spanish flu of 1918. Or strains of bird flu sweeping through the world, occasionally spreading from birds to mammals causing mass die-offs!
The same then being named as a “culprit” held responsible for the deaths of nearly 17,000 baby elephant seals in Argentina, last October.
Way Forward
Covid-19 perhaps did bring along disastrous consequences, however it also spurred the development of novel vaccine designs, including ones that can be quickly repurposed to target newer variants of existing pathogens along with those that develop over time.
Way Forward
Covid-19 perhaps did bring along disastrous consequences, however it also spurred the development of novel vaccine designs, including ones that can be quickly repurposed to target newer variants of existing pathogens along with those that develop over time.
For instance, it led to the advent of vaccines based on mRNA. This formula, which particularly contained a short piece of genetic material that was induced in the body’s immune cells, would produce the coronavirus ‘spike’ protein.
Countries need better early warning systems to be put in place for new diseases.
Health services too, need to become more resilient in terms of being able to cater to unexpected surges in terms of healthcare infrastructure and facilities. While Disease X is yet a mystery to most, patterns from the past could perhaps help track and prepare for it in anticipation.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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