For the last two days, 'Disease X' is trending on social media. This unknown disease is in the news these days, with reports claiming that it could be a sign of a new pandemic. At present, it is not known which virus or pathogen can cause this disease, will it also become a threat from animals to humans and maybe even cause another epidemic?

Amid the ever-increasing danger of this unknown and unpredictable epidemic, UK scientists have also started preparations to deal with it.

According to media reports, a team of more than 200 scientists in the UK has also started working on a vaccine for this. UK Health Security Agency and vaccine manufacturers say that we will prepare protective vaccines for this within 100 days so that we do not have to face a serious problem like Covid-19 once again.

Know about Disease X
The unknown "Disease X" that the team of scientists is discussing is not a new term. Even in the year 2018, a report mentions that Disease X- can become the biggest infectious threat to our world. Not only this, almost two years before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) had added Disease X to its blueprint list of priority diseases. This was a list of diseases for which the World Health Organization determined an urgent need for accelerated research and development.

Disease X - what is the opinion of scientists
The disease has been nicknamed "Disease X" because of its vague and undefined nature, says the team of health experts. Predicting which potential pathogen will trigger the next pandemic remains a puzzle. Researchers have different views on this.

A study has shown that climate change and population are increasing the likelihood of new epidemics. Urbanization and changing ecosystems have promoted cross-species viral transmission, bird flu being an example.

Preparation for the prevention of epidemic
Scientists say we are looking at viruses and bacteria that are already known to pose a threat. The effectiveness of existing vaccines against potential diseases caused by these pathogens is also being evaluated to help reduce potential risks.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-COV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), both of which have already caused outbreaks during the past two decades. Keeping these threats in mind, we need to be vigilant about future challenges. Hopefully, we will take preventive measures before a possible epidemic.

(PC: Freepik)