Epidemic of the Future: DISEASE X

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) brought together 300 scientists to study 25 families of viruses and bacteria. Experts created a list of pathogens that they believed had the potential to wreak havoc and needed further investigation. This is where disease X first appeared. Disease X was placed on the list of "priority diseases" in 2018. Disease X is not real at the moment, but researchers, scientists and experts are preparing for a plan of action. X can be 20 times more deadly than coronavirus.


Disease (X), a hypothetical term adopted by the WHO that could cause an outbreak or a new pandemic crisis if it spreads to multiple countries or continents. Disease X is a disease name adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2018 in its short list of planned priority diseases to represent a hypothetical, unknown pathogen that could cause a future pandemic.
The following diseases are currently on the list:

• Coronavirus
• Ebola and Marburg virus
• Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever
• Lassa fever
• Zika virus
• MERS and SARS
• Nipah virus
• Rift valley fever
• X disease

Dr. Amesh Adalja, who specializes in infectious disease, bioterrorism and emergency medicine at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, pointed out that the virus may be circulating in animal species and has not yet infected humans:
"It could be in bats, like COVID-19, it could be in birds, like avian flu, or it could be in another animal species, like pigs, for example. The real issue is that these viruses are gaining a foothold in this interface where there are interactions between humans and animals."

Symptoms;

• Respiratory tract infection: Respiratory infections can cause coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath.
• Fatigue: May cause severe fatigue.
• Diarrhea: May cause diarrhea.
• Vomiting: Vomiting may occur.
• Fire: It can cause a high fever, usually above 38 °C.
• Headache: Headache can be one of the symptoms of the disease.
• Muscle pain: May cause muscle pain.
• Swollen lymph nodes: It can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin.

How to Prevent X Disease?

The routes of transmission of disease X can vary depending on the type of pathogen that causes the disease. While these measures do not provide complete protection against disease X, they can help prevent the spread of the disease and reduce its serious consequences.

• Wash your hands often: It is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many infectious diseases, including X disease. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If there is no water to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.
• Wear a mask in confined spaces: It can help prevent droplet infections from an infected person. When wearing a mask, make sure it completely covers your mouth and nose.
• Avoid contact with others: If you think you are infected, stay at home and avoid contact with others. This will help prevent the disease spreading to others.
• Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep for a healthy immune system.
• Get vaccinated against flu and colds.
• Be careful when in contact with animals.

How is X Disease Treated?

As a precise definition for disease X has not been developed, there is no specific treatment for disease X. However, people who show signs of disease X may be given supportive treatments that can help relieve symptoms. These treatments may include:

• Antipyretics
• Painkillers
• Serum

If symptoms of X disease are severe, hospitalization may be necessary.