The term Disease X has been used by the World Health Organization (WHO), hypothetically. However, one such disease is currently claiming lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC and it is still unnamed after over 2 months.

This might mean that an epidemic or a pandemic is imminent. According to Ana Maria Henao-Restrepo during an episode of Science in 5 with the WHO, Disease X like many viruses and bacteria can cause a larger outbreak. Disease X in the DRC falls in this category since all that is known so far about it is the symptoms and not how it spreads. It is potentially a deadly disease.

Health practitioners in the DRC have started working to find more answers to Disease X. It causes symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches and has claimed several lives. Reports have shown that over 400 cases have died since late October, most of which are children under age five.

Preparing for Disease X

After the 2020 COVID-19, the world is not ready for another pandemic. Diseases will always occur and right now, the hope is for a quick solution and answer to the unknown.

The WHO has highlighted the need for preparedness for Disease X by monitoring known and unknown parameters like how they spread. The current outbreak in the DRC affirms this as it adds to the growing need to prepare for sudden contagions. Preparedness can be handy as there are always challenges in the investigation of outbreaks when a resource-handicap environment is involved.

Confronting Disease X

The need for firm global public health systems that are always ready to respond to imminent danger has become critical.

In the DRC, investigations are confronted by significant localized challenges. Hence, there is a need for global collaboration of health teams for a quick identification of the cause of the disease. According to the latest WHO situation report, this will also enhance local responses.

An outbreak like this is a lesson of the importance of being ready. The spread of novel pathogens beyond their endemic origin has been known to create extensive public health challenges. Mpox is one such example.

All possible causes are currently being laid out. The uncertainties so far outweigh the certainties as investigators explore endemic diseases like malaria, several respiratory infections, and measles.

Laboratory analyses are yet to confirm any fears. There is a chance that Disease X is caused by just another endemic germ and need not cause global panic.