When COVID-19, formerly known as Sars-CoV-2, struck the city of Wuhan in China in 2019, healthcare experts knew what was coming next to the whole world.
Right before their years, a highly contagious virus emerged and it took some years to slow down its spread across several countries globally. Now, researchers think that the pandemic can repeat, but this time with another virus dubbed "Disease X."
This pathogen is not new anymore to the public, but experts have not yet formulated any vaccine for this type of virus.
What is 'Disease X'
"Disease X" remains an unidentified disease agent at the moment, but it has the potential to spark the next pandemic, as researchers noted.
While its nature remains unknown, experts believe it lacks effective treatments or vaccines. By highlighting "Disease X," the WHO aims to emphasize the need for constant vigilance and preparedness in the face of new infectious threats.
"You cannot prevent an unknown pathogen from evolving into one that could lead to a pandemic," Dr. Sandra Adams, a biology professor and virologist at Montclair State University, said in an interview with NJ Advance Media.
Where Can You Get Disease X?
Most researchers believe that "Disease X" will likely emerge from animals and eventually cross over to infect humans. Specifically, zoonotic RNA viruses are seen as potential sources.
Furthermore, just like other viruses discovered in the past and present, the RNA virus can live inside a living host such as an animal and can mutate accordingly. This paves the way to infect humans upon making contact.
The researchers said that other possibilities for where RNA viruses come from are not yet ruled out, including accidents in laboratories and bioterrorism experiments.
While some information about Disease X remains a mystery, the researchers said that their knowledge about vaccines could be used to formulate solutions against future pandemics.
It was first discovered in China in 2018 for those unfamiliar with Disease X. It carries the original name of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Won't Be the Last Pandemic
The authors of the 2021 article posted on the National Library of Medicine said that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be the last pandemic that will strike the Earth sometime. They wrote in the journal that it "won't be the last."
The arrival of the COVID-19 crisis has left an important lesson to all humans: be prepared always and improve one's knowledge when it comes to handling an outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to collaborate with vaccine makers to come up with the most effective treatment for the deadly diseases. Paired with its mitigation practices, the agency looks forward to decreasing the rising cases of COVID-19-positive individuals.
To know more about the latest trends in COVID-19, Monkeypox, malaria, and other health-related topics, visit WHO's official website for more information.
