Scientists currently know 25 virus families, but there might be millions more varieties that have yet to be discovered.
According to a UK health specialist, Disease X—the WHO's designation for the disease—can result in a pandemic that is even deadlier than Covid-19. The devasting Spanish Flu of 1919–1920 may be compared to the new virus, according to Kate Bingham, who led the UK's Vaccine Taskforce from May 2019 to December 2020. WHO claims that Disease X might be a novel agent, such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus, for which no recognized cures exist.
When asked about her concerns, Ms. Bingham stated, "Let me put it this way: the 1918-19 flu pandemic killed at least 50 million people globally, twice as many as were murdered in World War I. One of the several viruses that currently exist today may cause a similar number of deaths.
She told the Daily Mail that if the globe is to combat the threat posed by Disease X, "the world will have to prepare for mass vaccination drives and deliver the doses in record time."
The expert added that although scientists have identified 25 virus families, there may be more than one million unknown varieties that are capable of moving between different species.
"Despite the fact that COVID-19 resulted in at least 20 million fatalities worldwide, we sort of got lucky with it. The important thing to remember is that the majority of those who contracted the virus recovered. Imagine that Disease X had an Ebola-like mortality rate and is as contagious as measles. It's reproducing somewhere in the world, and sooner or later, somebody will become ill," said Ms. Bingham.
She also mentioned that other diseases like avian flu and MERS also claimed a significant number of lives. Ebola has a mortality rate of almost 67%. Therefore, it is unlikely that the next epidemic will be quickly suppressed.
Ms. Bingham also outlined the causes of the rise of pandemics.
"We are paying a price for living in the contemporary world, and that price is the rise in outbreaks. First, globalization has made it more linked. Second, a growing number of individuals are congregating in cities, where they frequently interact closely with others, according to Ms. Bingham.
And because of deforestation, contemporary farming practices, and the degradation of wetlands, viruses are hopping from one species to another.
On its website, WHO first made reference to Disease X in May.