The horror scenario: Disease 20 times more deadly than covid
When the world leaders meet in Davos this week, they will, among other things, discuss the risk of disease X – a new pandemic 20 times deadlier than covid, The Independent reports.
Disease X is a name for a potential new disease and is used to discuss future scenarios. In Davos, WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will lead a panel discussion on how healthcare can be strengthened in the near future. The horror scenario is a significantly deadlier pandemic than the last one.
The researchers do not know what type of disease X will be. It could be a new coronavirus or a new flu. One problem is wildlife food markets where barriers between people and animals disappear, infectious disease doctor Thomas Russo told The Independent, adding:
- It could also be a completely new infectious agent that is unknown to us today.
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Cholera outbreaks in southern Africa
Serious cholera outbreak in Zambia - 351 dead
Zambia has been hit by one of the worst outbreaks of cholera in many years, reports Sky News. 351 people have died and close to 9,000 cases have been registered.
Intense rains, exacerbated by climate change, have led to the contamination of drinking water in overpopulated and impoverished areas. Mainly it is the capital Lusaka that has been affected.
Now healthcare workers are working to contain the outbreak, which risks becoming the worst since 1977.
Relatives of people who have died are not allowed to arrange funerals for the deceased due to the risk of infection. The rules are a severe blow to already deeply grieving family members.
- They should at least respect the bodies. I don't think they show us respect, says Nable Nyirongo, who lost an elderly relative
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