Looking back, it’s amazing how such an unpredictable event as the Covid-19 pandemic could change our lives so dramatically in such a short time.

Is the pandemic over? Not quite yet. But the fact that we’re not isolated from our loved ones, wearing masks constantly, and keeping our distance is something to be grateful for.

After the pandemic, the healthcare field is paying more attention to the possibility of new illnesses taking the same scale as covid. The case of Disease X is a perfect example of this new concern.

In this post, we’ll answer some common questions about the illness, such as:

• What is Disease X?
• Should travelers be concerned about it?

We’ll also share some Covid-19 news from around the world. Let’s dive in!

What Is Disease X?

The Covid-19 outbreak raised many alarms in the scientific community.

In fact, we live in what is now known as the “Pandemic Era”. But the situation is not as dramatic as it seems: This concept is meant to generate awareness and caution.

In this context, “Disease X” refers to a “campaign” by the World Health Organization (WHO) to draw attention to a potential problem.

The name “Disease X” was adopted in February 2018 in WHO’s short list of priority diseases to describe a hypothetical pathogen that may cause an epidemic in the future.

Recent world events have made this scenario more relevant, causing the idea of “Disease X” to resurface:

• Climate change is one factor. As temperatures rise, some animals that carry infectious pathogens may migrate, posing an eventual health risk to humans.
• The current UK health situation is also a slight concern. There’s a moderate Monkeypox outbreak in the UK and poliovirus has been found in sewage samples in London.
• A few less serious issues have been evaluated as well, including a single case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and sporadic cases of Lassa fever and bird flu.

In short, “Disease X” is not an actual disease. It’s a concept, used to plan public policies for a pandemic. The idea of “Disease X” is used to develop vaccine plans and expand manufacturing facilities in advance.

There aren’t any symptoms or cases associated with an actual “Disease X” virus to worry about. It’s also worth mentioning that the concept of a “Pandemic Era” only aims to reflect upon our current condition. You shouldn’t interpret it as a prediction.

How’s the Covid-19 Pandemic Evolving, Around the World?

Are you planning a trip abroad? In this section, we’ll share the latest Covid-19 news from some of the world’s most vibrant destinations.

The fourth wave of Covid-19 has officially begun in Peru

Planning a trip to Peru? Here’s what you need to know:

• Over 11,000 positive cases were confirmed in the past week, up from 1,800 cases in previous weeks.
• Peru’s positive rate stands at 5%.

The government is working to increase Peru’s vaccination rate and recommending wearing masks to prevent the spread of the disease.

India is experiencing a significant Covid-19 outbreak

Last Monday, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Affairs of India announced a 45% rise in new Covid infections in a single day, resulting in over 17k new infections in 24 hours.

Covid-related news from India reported a jump in the daily positivity rate: it reached 5.62%. Nevertheless, no special measures were announced.

Covid-19 cases have led Pakistan to make masks mandatory on flights

Though 85% of Pakistanis are fully vaccinated against Covid, the National Institute of Health, Islamabad (NIH) has announced that:

• Pakistan’s Covid positivity rate increased to 2.85% from 0.54% this month.
• 382 new positive cases have been reported.

Pakistan’s aviation regulator now requires masks on domestic flights. This is the only new measure, so far.

Key Takeaways

In this post, we briefly discussed “Disease X”. It’s an important tool for healthcare professionals, but it’s not an actual disease. So you don’t need to be alarmed.

When it comes to health, remember to always gravitate towards reliable sources. Look for information that empowers you to take preventive action. Small steps can go a long way.

When it comes to Covid-19, getting tested is a simple way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Discover testing locations near you with our global directory.