New Delhi: Doctors are concerned about 11 diseases that could cause problems in 2025, including a theoretical “Disease X” and a potential resurgence of Covid-19. Measles, cholera, scabies, and bird flu are also on the list, according to a report of the Mirror.
The report came amid reports of rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus cases in many Asian countries including China and Japan. Social media is flooded with videos showing crowded hospitals in China, though the veracity of these depictions is unconfirmed. Reports indicate a rise in cases of influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19 alongside HMPV.
Meanwhile, talking to the Mirror, Dr. Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton said, “Disease X is the name given to an as-yet-unknown bug, that has the potential to cause large outbreaks or even a pandemic.”
He added, “This bug would have the potential to spread quickly and have a high mortality rate; for example like COVID-19.”
Disease X represents any currently unknown pathogen that could cause a pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) uses this term for such potential threats. A recent example of an unknown disease occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, claiming over 30 lives, mostly children, between October and December 2024. Symptoms included fever, headache, body aches, and cough, often worsened by malnutrition. The WHO reported over 400 cases.
“The world was caught flat-footed by the most recent pandemic, and even with our fancy tech upgrades, such as mRNA vaccine platforms and other medical marvels, we’re still at risk of being caught off-guard if Disease X appeared out of the blue.” Dr. Head warned. The symptoms of Disease X are unknown.
Other Diseases on the Radar
Measles
Highly contagious and airborne, measles is resurging due to declining vaccination rates. Despite being preventable with the MMR vaccine, it caused over 107,000 deaths in 2023, primarily affecting unvaccinated children.
Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms followed by a characteristic blotchy rash.
Dengue Fever
Known as the “bone breaker” disease, dengue affects millions annually, with outbreaks expanding into southern Europe due to climate change.
Symptoms: Fever, headaches, joint pain, and rash; severe cases may lead to vomiting, bleeding gums, and abdominal pain.
Chikungunya
A mosquito-borne virus rising alongside dengue. While currently rare in Europe, warming climates could foster its spread.
Symptoms: Fever and prolonged joint pain, with recovery in most cases within a week.
West Nile Fever
Spread by mosquitoes, West Nile virus has caused neuroinvasive diseases in parts of Europe.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, and in severe cases, meningitis or encephalitis.
Bird Flu (H5N1)
While human-to-human transmission remains rare, mutations in avian influenza could lead to a pandemic.
Symptoms: High fever, fatigue, headaches, and in severe cases, bleeding gums or nose.
Cholera
This diarrheal disease, often linked to contaminated water, has the potential to surge due to forced migration and climate crises.
Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration.
Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria
The WHO considers resistance to antibiotics one of the top health threats. Bacteria like E. coli have shown increasing resistance, leading to higher mortality rates.
Symptoms: Depend on the infection type but can include diarrhea, vomiting, and urinary tract issues.
Scabies
A skin condition caused by mites, scabies thrives in crowded environments and has seen a 58% increase in the UK in 2024.
Symptoms: Itchy rash, especially at night, often between fingers or in skin folds.
Covid Variants
New variants, such as the XEC hybrid, continue to emerge, causing spikes in infections and hospitalizations.
Symptoms: Persistent cough, fever, loss of smell or taste, and flu-like signs.
Whooping Cough
This bacterial infection affects infants and young children, with cases surpassing 10,000 in the UK in 2024.
Symptoms: Mild cold-like symptoms escalating to severe coughing fits and breathing issues.
Chikungunya and Other Mosquito-Borne Viruses
Increased global warming is expected to amplify the reach of mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya and dengue in Europe.
Symptoms: Similar to dengue, with fever and joint pain as common indicators.
