12/07/2024
Can It Happen Again?
Disease X is an unknown disease with a set of characteristics that are important for its potential to cause serious infections, outbreaks, and possible pandemics
Disease X is an unknown disease with a set of characteristics that are important for its potential to cause serious infections, outbreaks, and possible pandemics. Here are some of its characteristics, which are based on current knowledge of disease transmission, virulence, outbreak potential and treatment/prevention options:
Disease X is most likely a viral disease. It is important to notice that all the infectious agents in the blueprint, with one exception, are viruses. They are known to be the most dangerous pathogens. The new blueprint will also include some bacterial agents. However, while the only one currently recognized is the Plague (Yersinia pestis), the focus is on viruses. One of the reasons that bacteria are less of a concern is the ability to treat bacterial diseases with antibiotics and effective outbreak control.
* Disease X will be transmitted through the air. As we have seen with COVID-19, airborne transmission was a key factor in the spread worldwide.
* Disease X is a zoonotic disease that will spread from animals to humans.
- Those without apparent symptoms will spread it, and therefore it will present significant challenges in tracking and outbreak control.
* Disease X is a non-enveloped RNA virus with environmental hardiness and resistance and high mutation rate.
- Within the affected population, immunity is not present, and until a suitable vaccine is developed, it will only be established in those that survive Disease X
- Current treatment options are limited to symptomatic support.
* Disease X has the potential for large-scale and rapid spread.
* Disease X has the potential for laboratory release.
* Disease X has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality.
Photo by National Cancer Institute (NCI)