Experts are cautioning the public about the potential threat of Disease X, with influenza emerging as a top contender for causing the next global pandemic. According to a recent international survey, 57% of senior disease experts believe that a strain of influenza virus is the most likely cause for the next outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings about the impact of seasonal flu, which affects 1 billion people worldwide each year. The disease leads to severe complications for millions and hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Cologne University’s research further emphasizes that influenza is a major concern for the upcoming pandemic due to its ability to evolve and mutate rapidly.
Experts are particularly concerned about Disease X potentially emerging unexpectedly, similar to the way Covid-19 did, posing a serious threat to global health. The WHO has highlighted the alarming spread of the H5N1 strain of influenza in the US, raising concerns about an “unprecedented surge” in cases.
John Fulton, a consultant for a pharmaceutical company, has warned that H5N1 could be significantly more deadly than Covid-19 if it mutates and maintains its high fatality rate. Since 2003, the H5N1 virus has resulted in a fatality rate exceeding 50%, with 52 out of every 100 infected patients succumbing to the illness. This is in stark contrast to the current Covid-19 fatality rate of 0.1%.
As the world continues to battle the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, experts stress the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared for future threats such as Disease X, particularly from influenza strains like H5N1. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from potential outbreaks in the future.
