WHO warns of "Illness X": that is behind it
Disease X - this is how the WHO called a "new disease" with epidemic potential. But what exactly is that supposed to be? In this guide you will learn what exactly is behind the mysterious name.
Dangerous epidemics - But what does WHO mean by disease X?
The World Health Agency (WHO) published a list in 2015 that summarizes pathogens that could lead to an epidemic.
- The severe Ebola epidemic in 2014 drew attention to the devastating consequences of the outbreak of pathogens, which are highly contagious and deadly. The list is updated when new pathogens appear dangerous and serves the purpose of knowing dangers and taking them seriously.
- Coping strategies are developed for all pathogens, which can be used in acute emergency - i.e. when an epidemic breaks out. The main aim of prevention is to prevent a global epidemic.
- At the beginning of 2018, a new disease made it onto the list: Disease X.
Disease X: that's behind it
Disease X is not a new pathogen - instead, it should be understood as a placeholder. While a list of pathogens gives the feeling of knowing and controlling all threats, Disease X is meant to remind that this is not the case.
- Existing and harmless pathogens could change so that they suddenly pose a significant threat. Completely new pathogens could also be discovered.
- Should such a case occur, nobody can specifically rely on an antidote. Such a pathogen would first have to be investigated, which is why not only strategies are required to deal with known pathogens, but research and development capacities also need to be considered.
The pathogens with epidemic potential
- Crimean-Congo fever (CCHF)
- Ebola virus
- Lassa fever
- MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus)
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
- Nipah virus and Hendra virus
- Rift Valley fever
- Zika
- Disease X
Disease X may not be as mysterious as it sounds, but it is still a serious danger. Perhaps less likely, but just as dangerous, an approaching zombie apocalypse appears. In this case, too, we have summarized the best tips in another article.