Disease X
Context
The recent outbreak reported in Democratic Republic of Congo, has raised concerns that it could be an instance of Disease X.
- The disease has already claimed over 400 lives and remains unclassified.
- Disease X is a hypothetical unknown pathogen that can trigger a global pandemic much like COVID-19.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)
What is Disease X?
- Disease X is a hypothetical unknown pathogen that can trigger a global pandemic
- The term was coined by the WHO in 2018 to represent an unpredictable, novel pathogen with pandemic potential.
- The name Disease X, depicts the risks of “known unknowns” and “unknown unknowns” in global health.
- Disease X encompasses viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or even prions.
- Its emergence is linked to factors like zoonotic spillover, deforestation, and human-wildlife interactions.
- Patterns in Emerging Diseases
- Human Activities: Zoonotic diseases, often caused by human encroachment on wildlife habitats, are key drivers of epidemics.
- Globalisation and Urbanisation: Climate change, urbanisation, and globalisation increase the likelihood and spread of new diseases.
- Epidemiologists estimate that 1.7 million undiscovered viruses in wildlife could infect humans.
Why It Matters Now:
- After the outbreak in Congo, over 400 lives have been lost which has sparked fears that it might be Disease X.
- COVID-19, as the first real Disease X, showed the devastating impact of an unanticipated health crisis.
- The pandemic potential of Disease X makes preparation a global necessity.
Way forward:
The outbreak of a pandemic crosses borders and necessitates unified global action through initiatives like the WHO Pandemic Treaty. Governments must proactively work on various fronts, like:
- Keeping the data transparent and sharing them.
- Ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments.
- Frameworks like the Nagoya Protocol can promote fair sharing of research benefits and medical resources.
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