Disease X: Beyond Fear, Toward Preparedness

In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the increasing incidence of infectious diseases with potential global transmission [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) coined the phrase "Disease X" to denote a theoretical infectious disease that has not yet been detected but has the capacity to cause a global pandemic. Disease X denotes an unidentified pathogenic agent with the potential to instigate a forthcoming global outbreak [2]. Commencing with a convened gathering on the 18th of November 2022, the WHO has initiated a comprehensive assembly of more than 300 esteemed experts. The primary objective of this assembly is to meticulously examine the available information pertaining to over 25 virus families, bacteria, and a hypothetical pathogen referred to as "Disease X." The initial publication of the list occurred in 2017.