Disease X

• 16 Dec 2024

Source: TH 
A December 2024 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), causing over 400 deaths, raises concerns about Disease X. 

About Disease X: 

• Definition: A hypothetical term by WHO in 2018 for an unknown pathogen capable of triggering a global pandemic, highlighting the need for preparedness against emerging diseases. 
• Origins: Emerged after the 2014–2016 West African Ebola epidemic. 
• Sources: Can originate from viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, or prions. Over 300 emerging diseases since 1940, 70% zoonotic. 
• Risk Factors: High biodiversity regions, weak healthcare (e.g., Congo Basin), global connectivity, zoonotic spillovers, deforestation, agriculture, antimicrobial resistance, bioterrorism, lab accidents, and climate change complicate predictions. 

Mitigation: 

• Strengthened surveillance, healthcare systems, and platforms like CEPI are vital for rapid detection and response.  
• Global cooperation, equitable access to resources, and frameworks like WHO’s pathogen list, Pandemic Treaty, and Nagoya Protocol are essential for preparedness. 

DRC: 

• The DRC is the 2^nd largest country in Africa and the 11th largest in the world. 

  

Read More: Future Pandemic Preparedness And Emergency Response