Disease X

14.12.2024 - The Hindu

WHO coined the term in 2018 to describe an unknown pathogen that could potentially unleash a devastating epidemic or pandemic.

WHO's prority list of pathogens published in 2018, included:

1. Ebola virus disease,
2. Marburg virus disease,
3. Lassa fever,
4. Nipah virus,
5. Rift Valley fever,
6. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever,
7. Zika virus, and
8. Disease X

Covid-19 is regarded as the first instance of a real Disease X

The concept of Disease X traces its origins in the aftermath of the West African Ebola epidemic of 2014–2016, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths and revealed significant gaps in global epidemic preparedness.

2 categories of unknown diseases

1. “known unknowns” (threats we are aware of but cannot fully understand) and
2. “unknown unknowns” (threats we are not aware of and understand Disease X embodies both.

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

Now investing in “prototype pathogen” platforms that can be adapted to target unknown diseases within 100 days of their identification.

WHO's proposed Pandemic Treaty

Aims to foster a unified global response to health emergencies.