Disease X is not an actual threat facing either the UK or the world, rather it is a term used by the WHO (World Health Organisation) to describe a disease with the potential to cause an epidemic. In light of the return of Polio, experts are now saying the world is now at the start of the “pandemic era”, one where epidemics will be viral threats will be more common. One sign of this is the bevy of diseases detected in the UK this year. As well as Covid, monkeypox, polio, and hepatitis, bird flu, Lassa fever, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever have also been detected in parts of the country.
Professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh says of the current situation: “There’s a name for what we’re seeing at the moment in the UK and elsewhere, it’s called chatter.
“It’s a term anti-terrorist [units] use to describe the small events that might signify something more major on the horizon.”
What this means is while the current pocket outbreaks are concerning, they may be nothing compared to what could be coming soon.
It is what comes next that concerns scientists and health experts trying to predict and prepare for the next virus of concern.
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Why these diseases have sprung up now is a mystery to many; however, Professor Woolhouse has a theory: “The early 21st Century has been a perfect storm for emerging infectious disease, and everything is pointing towards the likelihood of more and more outbreaks.
“All the drivers of outbreaks are in fact getting worse, not better, over time.”
Drivers cited include climate change, disruptions due to Covid, and migration of people.
While Disease X is potential threat, the ones facing the UK are very real.
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Polio
Earlier this week, Polio was detected in the UK for the first time since 1984.
The virus, known to cause paralysis or death in some cases, was found in North London Wednesday evening.
In a statement, the UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency) said: “We are urgently investigating to better understand the extent of this transmission and the NHS has been asked to swiftly report any suspected cases to the UKHSA, though no cases have been reported or confirmed so far.”
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Hepatitis
Earlier this year a new mysterious form of hepatitis was detected in Scotland; mainly affecting the under-fives it has now spread around the world to over 30 countries.
Fewer than 300 cases have been detected in the UK and, so far, no children have died as a result.
So far the cause has not been identified as the potential threat of Disease X looms.
Source: Daily Express
