Global Health Faces Alarming Threats: Disease X and Resurgent Outbreaks Demand Action

As we look ahead to 2025, a growing chorus of health experts is raising alarms about a range of diseases that could pose serious threats to global health. Among them, the most concerning is Disease X, a term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe an as-yet-unknown pathogen capable of causing widespread outbreaks or even a pandemic. Dr. Michael Head, a Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, warns that the world remains ill-prepared for such a rapid emergence, likening the potential impact to that of COVID-19. Recent outbreaks of an undiagnosed illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals, primarily children, underscore the risk posed by unknown pathogens. Between late October and early December 2024, over 400 cases were reported with symptoms ranging from fever and severe cough to body aches, highlighting the urgency for research and preparedness. But Disease X is not the only cause for concern. The resurgence of measles, driven in part by falling vaccination rates, has been alarming. In 2023, over 107,000 deaths globally were linked to measles, chiefly among children under five. With vaccination coverage declining from 86% to 83% since 2019, experts emphasize the critical need to bolster immunization efforts to prevent outbreaks. Cholera, a waterborne disease known for its rapid onset and high mortality rate, continues to be a global health threat, claiming approximately 143,000 lives annually. Climate change, coupled with forced migration, could exacerbate cholera outbreaks, particularly in vulnerable regions. While cholera remains rare in Europe, its potential for resurgence cannot be overlooked. Meanwhile, dengue fever and chikungunya, both mosquito-borne diseases, are predicted to proliferate in Europe due to shifting climate patterns. Professor Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia anticipates a rise in dengue cases across southern Europe, while chikungunya, which had only one confirmed case in the region in 2024, could increase as conditions become more favorable for mosquito populations. The threat of bird flu also looms large, with the H5N1 strain posing risks for human infection, especially among those in close contact with infected birds. While human-to-human transmission has not been widely observed, the potential for mutations raises concerns for future outbreaks. Antimicrobial resistance is another pressing issue as bacteria evolve to resist treatment, complicating the management of common infections. E. coli, in particular, has seen a spike in antibiotic-resistant cases, posing significant risks to public health. The resurgence of whooping cough in the UK has also raised alarms, with over 10,000 cases reported by August 2024—the highest numbers seen since a significant outbreak in 2012. Experts stress the importance of vaccination, especially for pregnant women, to protect newborns from this potentially deadly infection. Finally, scabies, while not fatal, has surged in prevalence, particularly among communal populations. Cases have spiked by 58% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, showcasing the need for increased awareness and treatment options. As we move into 2025, the collective warnings from health experts serve as a call to action. Countries must prioritize infectious disease preparedness, vaccination campaigns, and public health initiatives to mitigate the risks posed by both known and unknown threats. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic must not be forgotten; vigilance and proactive measures are essential in safeguarding global health.