Filenews 30 December 2024
The unknown disease, or X disease, as it has been characterized, Measles and Covid, are included in the list of 11 diseases that have alarmed scientists internationally and are expected to continue to concern the World Health Organization during 2025, according to a report in the Mirror
Mysteriously named X disease: It could cause the next big pandemic, doctors have warned, while claiming that the world is not prepared for a sudden explosion of cases. This is a hitherto unknown infection that has already caused dozens of deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously named unknown pathogens as disease X and included it on its own priority list of diseases in need of urgent research. Recently, it killed at least 31 people – mostly children – in the Panzi district of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The WHO announced that more than 400 cases of an undiagnosed disease were recorded in the DRC between October 24 and December 5, 2024.
Bird flu: It is widely accepted as the most likely known cause for the next pandemic. This is a type of flu virus that usually spreads between birds, but is known to jump to humans, and dengue is also on the list of concerns.
Chikungunya virus: There was only one confirmed case in Europe in 2024, but it is estimated that more cases may be detected in 2025. This is another mosquito-borne viral infection that is similar to Mayaro virus and Ross River virus.
West Nile virus: The virus is transmitted by mosquito bite, although it could also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
Measles: It is a very serious airborne infection that causes concern. It mainly affects young children. More than 107,000 people died from measles worldwide in 2023, the majority of whom were under five.
Covid-19: It continues to mutate and change, with new strains that have the potential to become more infectious and – perhaps – resistant to vaccines. In October 2024, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that a new variant appeared to be more infectious than previous strains.
Cholera: A global threat to public health, WHO warned. This is a serious diarrheal disease caused by drinking food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. In the most extreme cases, the infection can develop too quickly, leading to death within hours if left untreated. Up to 143,000 people die from cholera each year worldwide.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Cause concern and the WHO has warned that antimicrobial resistance is a top global health threat.
Pertussis: It is a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs and can be fatal if left untreated. It mainly affects young children, but anyone can develop symptoms if infected.
Scabies: Doctors recently urged the British public not to ignore the signs of scabies infestation, following the outbreak of cases in the country. The condition is caused by tiny mites that penetrate the skin to lay their eggs, causing a really unpleasant itchy rash.
