‘Disease X’ could cause the next pandemic, according to the WHO—or Ebola, SARS, or Nipah. 9 pathogens researchers are keeping a watchful eye on
From Fortune:
Leaders and health officials will meet next week at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland to discuss pandemic preparations, including a session titled “Preparing for Disease X.” The term “Disease X” refers to a potential epidemic caused by an unknown pathogen, prompting backlash and conspiracy theories from right-wing social media accounts. Experts, including Dr. Amish Adalja and Dr. Stuart Ray, emphasize the importance of pandemic preparedness planning and global coordination for public health response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains a list of “priority pathogens” that pose high public health risks due to their epidemic potential and lack of countermeasures. Among these pathogens are Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever, SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and COVID-19. Each of these pathogens poses serious health risks and concerns for global public health officials and requires careful monitoring, research, and preparedness efforts.
Read more: ‘Disease X’ could cause the next pandemic, according to the WHO—or Ebola, SARS, or Nipah. 9 pathogens researchers are keeping a watchful eye on