tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
J Med Virol
. 2025 Feb;97(2):e70227.
doi: 10.1002/jmv.70227. Unveiling the Threat of Disease X: Preparing for the Next Global Pandemic
Mengyuan Zhao[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Luping Lei[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Yinghan Jiang[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Yuxin Tian[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Yuanyu Huang[SUP] 1 3 [/SUP], Minghui Yang[SUP] 1 3 [/SUP]
Affiliations
The term "Disease X", first introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, symbolizes the threat of an unknown pathogen capable of causing a global pandemic. Classified as a "priority pathogens," Disease X stands alongside well-known threats like SARS, Ebola, and ZIKV due to its potential for widespread outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2 is considered the first "Disease X" to fulfill this prediction, demonstrating the devastating impact such pathogens can have. A future pathogen X could pose an even greater threat, with catastrophic consequences. This paper examines the potential origins of such pathogens, drawing lessons from outbreaks like SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2. It also highlights strategic approaches to detect, prevent, and respond effectively to mitigate the risk of future pandemics.
Keywords: biosafety; disease X; environmental change; public health; vaccine development.
. 2025 Feb;97(2):e70227.
doi: 10.1002/jmv.70227. Unveiling the Threat of Disease X: Preparing for the Next Global Pandemic
Mengyuan Zhao[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Luping Lei[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Yinghan Jiang[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Yuxin Tian[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Yuanyu Huang[SUP] 1 3 [/SUP], Minghui Yang[SUP] 1 3 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 39936837
- DOI: 10.1002/jmv.70227
The term "Disease X", first introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, symbolizes the threat of an unknown pathogen capable of causing a global pandemic. Classified as a "priority pathogens," Disease X stands alongside well-known threats like SARS, Ebola, and ZIKV due to its potential for widespread outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2 is considered the first "Disease X" to fulfill this prediction, demonstrating the devastating impact such pathogens can have. A future pathogen X could pose an even greater threat, with catastrophic consequences. This paper examines the potential origins of such pathogens, drawing lessons from outbreaks like SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2. It also highlights strategic approaches to detect, prevent, and respond effectively to mitigate the risk of future pandemics.
Keywords: biosafety; disease X; environmental change; public health; vaccine development.
