What is Disease X? 

• It is not a specific illness, but a placeholder term coined by the WHO in 2018. 
•  It signifies an unpredictable and as-yet-undiscovered pathogen with the potential to trigger a global health crisis. 
• Origin: 
  • It could emerge from various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or prions.  
  • Historical patterns show that most emerging infectious diseases have zoonotic origins, transmitted from animals to humans. 
• Factors Contributing to Emergence: 
  • Human encroachment into wildlife habitats. 
  • Deforestation, urbanization, and ecological disruptions. 
  • Intensification of agriculture. 
  • Climate change altering disease transmission dynamics. 
• Symptoms: 
  • It is hypothetical, its symptoms cannot be precisely defined. However, potential signs might vary depending on the pathogen and could include: 
  • High fever 
  • Respiratory distress 
  • Severe fatigue 
  • Gastrointestinal issues 
  • Neurological complications. 
• Status of Medication or Vaccines: Current Preparedness 
  • It is unpredictable disease, there are no specific medications or vaccines available yet. However, global efforts are underway to prepare for similar scenarios: 
    • Prototype Pathogen Platforms: Rapid development platforms to create vaccines within 100 days of identifying a novel pathogen. 
    • Global Surveillance: Real-time genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence for early detection. 
    • Coalitions: Initiatives like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) focus on proactive measures to counter emerging threats.