Disease X: Causes, symptoms & severity of this global health threat

New Delhi: Dame Kate Bingham, the former chair of the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce, has issued a stark warning about a potential new pandemic known as “Disease X.”

She believes it could claim as many as 50 million lives, making it 20 times deadlier than COVID-19. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Bingham emphasized the urgent need for global preparedness, including rapid mass vaccination efforts.

What is Disease X?

“Disease X” is a term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe a hypothetical pathogen, either known or yet to be discovered, that could cause a large-scale, severe pandemic with widespread human disease. Dr. Neha Rastogi, a Consultant in Infectious Disease at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, explains that Disease X could be caused by a “pathogen X,” likely a zoonotic disease, possibly an RNA virus, originating in an environment that favors sustained transmission.

Symptoms and Potential Threats of Disease X

There is concern that Disease X could result from various scenarios, including laboratory accidents or bioterrorism. Such a pathogen could pose a global catastrophic risk, highlighting the need for intense and ongoing surveillance and monitoring.

The symptoms of Disease X will include redness, pain, itchiness, and puffy or tearing of eyes.

Prevention of Disease X

Dr. Rastogi outlines several key strategies for preventing and mitigating the impact of Disease X:

1. International Guidelines: The development and implementation of uniform international guidelines to control bioterrorism are essential.

2. Travel Restrictions: Immediate and appropriate travel restrictions, along with strict airport screening, should be in place to contain the spread of Pathogen X across borders.

3. Collaboration: A collaborative approach involving global leaders, scientists, epidemiologists, and infectious disease experts is necessary to investigate, control, and eliminate Disease X.

4. Testing and Surveillance: Widespread and mass testing, surveillance, and aggressive contact tracing are effective tools for containing outbreaks.

5. Medical Measures: Concentrated efforts to accelerate access to medical measures such as test kits, vaccines, and first aid are crucial for responding to the pandemic.

6. Vaccine Development: Ongoing research on vaccine development processes should be prioritized to combat the severe consequences of Disease X.

7. One Health Approach: A “One Health” approach, which aims to bridge institutional gaps, identify priority risk pathogens, and emphasize mitigation strategies for emerging diseases, is essential in preventing global catastrophes like Disease X.

In conclusion, the potential threat posed by Disease X underscores the importance of preparedness, international collaboration, and swift action in the face of emerging and re-emerging pathogens. The world must remain vigilant and proactive to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.