Disease X is a placeholder name that was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2018 on their shortlist of blueprint priority diseases to represent a hypothetical, unknown pathogen that could cause a future epidemic. The WHO adopted the placeholder name to ensure that their planning was sufficiently flexible to adapt to an unknown pathogen (e.g., broader vaccines and manufacturing facilities).
Disease X is not a specific disease, but rather a catch-all term for any new, emerging infectious disease that could cause a global pandemic. The WHO has identified a number of factors that make a disease more likely to become a pandemic, including:
- The ability to spread easily from person to person
- The ability to cause severe illness
- The lack of effective treatment or prevention
The WHO is working to identify and prepare for Disease X by:
- Monitoring emerging infectious diseases
- Developing new vaccines and treatments
- Strengthening global health systems
There are a number of things that individuals can do to protect themselves from Disease X, including:
- Getting vaccinated against known infectious diseases
- Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently
- Avoiding contact with sick people
- Staying informed about emerging infectious diseases
The WHO has a number of resources available to help individuals and communities prepare for Disease X. These resources include:
- The WHO’s Global Health Security Agenda
- The WHO’s Pandemic Preparedness Framework
- The WHO’s Disease X website
Disease X is a serious threat to global health, but by working together, we can reduce the risk of a pandemic.
Here are some of the symptoms that may be associated with Disease X:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Red eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Death
It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to Disease X and can be caused by a number of other diseases. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
