How Should Countries Respond to The New Outbreak "Disease X"?

In 2007, The World Health Organization reported that infectious diseases were emerging at a rate that has not been seen before. Over 40 contagious diseases have been discovered since 1970, and 3 to 4 new viruses are discovered yearly. In 2024, The World Economic Forum discussed " Disease X," not a specific disease but the name given to a potential novel infectious agent that would be more fatal than COVID-19. Then, How countries should respond to "Disease X"

Addressing the global spread of "Disease X" necessitates a multi-sectoral response, combining the efforts of health, environmental, veterinary, and community actors to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disease's transmission and impacts. This holistic approach, often called the One Health strategy, integrates human, animal, and environmental health disciplines. The urgency of such an approach is underscored by the fact that over 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Several key actions must be taken to prevent, detect, and manage Disease X effectively.

First, it is critical to assess the zoonotic potential of Disease X. If animals serve as reservoirs or vectors for the disease, understanding their role in the transmission chain is vital. This requires data collection from livestock and wildlife and vector analysis, such as studying mosquitoes or other potential carriers. Drawing lessons from Uganda’s 2016 Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak, where the disease was linked to mosquitoes and infected animals, it is clear that both human and animal health sectors must collaborate to control the spread. By conducting animal testing and ecological surveillance, the One Health strategy can help detect the zoonotic origins of Disease X early on.

Epidemiological data collection is another cornerstone of a multi-sectoral response. Information on the pathogen's transmission mode, symptoms, and incubation period, combined with integrated surveillance systems that track human and animal cases in real-time, is crucial. Predictive tools, like geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling, can map disease hotspots and potential transmission routes, facilitating targeted interventions. Environmental factors, including climate, geography, and ecosystems, should also be monitored, as these can influence the spread of vector-borne diseases, much like how Uganda focused on mosquito patterns during its RVF response.

Healthcare system capacity must also be assessed to ensure preparedness for Disease X. Evaluating resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation facilities, diagnostic labs, and trained personnel is essential for rapid containment. Cross-sector collaboration between health, agriculture, and environmental bodies can ensure that resources are efficiently allocated and that response plans are comprehensive. For example, Rwanda’s recent handling of the Marburg virus outbreak demonstrates the importance of rapid response, including contact tracing, isolation, and community education, all facilitated by international partners like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC. However, Rwanda’s experience also highlights the need for deeper integration of veterinary and environmental sectors in zoonotic disease management, as these were less emphasized in the early response.

Community engagement is equally vital for the success of disease surveillance and control. People's interactions with animals and their environment can offer valuable clues about how the disease spreads. Involving communities in reporting cases, as was done in Uganda during the RVF outbreak, fosters trust and ensures that preventive measures are more readily accepted and implemented. Effective communication channels between sectors and the public help shape behaviors that reduce transmission risks. For example, local practices that may inadvertently promote the spread of Disease X can be identified and addressed through culturally appropriate education campaigns.

In conclusion, the fight against Disease X will require a coordinated multi-sectoral approach that leverages the strengths of human, animal, and environmental health sectors under the One Health framework. By integrating epidemiological data collection, veterinary surveillance, environmental monitoring, and community engagement, it is possible to understand Disease X’s transmission dynamics better and design targeted interventions. Lessons from past outbreaks, such as Uganda’s RVF and Rwanda’s Marburg virus, offer valuable insights into how such a strategy can be effectively implemented, leading to faster detection and containment of emerging infectious diseases.