A Possible New Disease?

Possible New Deadly Disease?

By Callie Shcull and Lindon Welch

Disease X: What is it? Why now, in 2023, is it becoming relevant when it has been studied for nearly 5 years? Since 2018, Scientists and Health Professionals have been studying diseases and searching for cures in anticipation of being able to prevent Disease X, a mysterious off-shoot of the past COVID-19 pandemic. Objectively, all other pandemics as well. Since the effects of COVID-19, we can see that their efforts haven’t quite reached that level of prevention.

Scientists began studying Disease X and similar infections after the drastic effects of the Ebola epidemic from 2014-2015. However, only recently was Disease X put at the bottom of the “Priority Disease List.” Several other known diseases and possible pandemic breakouts are listed above X- Including Coronavirus, Ebola virus, and Lassa fever. Many scientists and other people studying the priority diseases assume that Disease X has a high possibility of becoming a worldwide pandemic.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that if Disease X ends up spreading while the world is unprepared and unprotected, it could have even worse effects than COVID-19. Experts have even said that an estimated 50 million people could die (Washington Post). This means the disease could greatly affect the human population, at an even worse rate than Coronavirus. 

The Disease was named by the World Health Organization for its mysterious properties. A UK health expert said that Disease X can cause another but worse and even more deadly pandemic than COVID-19. In case this disease really does reach the public, make sure to stay hygienic and wash your hands to prevent getting sick!