Disease X, a mysterious and potentially deadly pathogen, has gained attention at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
WHO Director-General and other health officials discussed Disease X in a meeting titled 'Preparing for Disease X' at the WEF
Experts warn that Disease X could surpass the impact of a coronavirus pandemic, causing 20 times more deaths
The cause of Disease X remains unknown, posing a serious microbial threat and being classified as a top research priorityby the World Health Organization since 2017
The 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa highlighted the lack of preparedness, leading to the creation of the WHO's R&D Blueprint to accelerate the development of tools for priority diseases
Covid-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, is considered an example of Disease X, highlighting the potential for unknown viruses to spark pandemics
The vast reservoir of viruses in wildlife poses a significant risk, as these pathogens can spill over and infect other species, including humans, without existing immunity
Former UK Vaccine Taskforce ChairKate Bingham, in a book co-authored with Tim Hames, warns of the next pandemic emerging from unknown viruses, potentially claiming lives comparable to the 1918-19 Spanish Flu
The 1918-19 flu pandemic killed at least 50 million people worldwide, emphasizing the need for enhanced pandemic preparedness to prevent a similar catastrophe