Rapid Fire
Disease X
- 16 Dec 2024
- 2 min read
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 2nd largest country in Africa and the 11th largest in the world.
Read More: Future Pandemic Preparedness And Emergency Response
