Introduction
Disease X represents the knowledge that a serious international epidemic could be caused by a pathogen currently unknown to cause human disease. It’s a placeholder name that the World Health Organization (WHO) uses for a disease that could potentially cause a future epidemic.
What is Disease X?
Disease X is not a specific disease. Instead, it’s a term used to refer to a yet-unknown pathogen that could cause a future epidemic. The “X” stands for “unexpected”. The WHO included Disease X in its 2018 R&D Blueprint, a list of diseases that pose a public health risk due to their epidemic potential and for which there are no, or insufficient, countermeasures.
Why is Disease X important?
The inclusion of Disease X in the WHO’s R&D Blueprint serves as an acknowledgment that we need to be prepared for unknown diseases that could cause serious epidemics. It’s a reminder that we can’t predict where or when the next global health threat will come from.
How are we preparing for Disease X?
The WHO and scientists worldwide are continually monitoring for new diseases and working on developing new ways to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies. This includes improving disease surveillance systems, investing in research and development, and strengthening health systems.
Conclusion
While Disease X is not a specific disease, it represents the potential for a future global health threat. By acknowledging this possibility, we can better prepare and protect ourselves from unknown diseases.
