Are we prepared for the inevitable?
You may have noticed that people all around you are still becoming ill, right now from the very fast-spreading COVID-19 variant invading all the US as well as countries around the world.
The CDC has reported the JN.1 subvariant of omicron (COVID-19 variant) is currently making up 86% of COVID cases in the United States. It started off slowly but then spiked when temperatures got colder. The current surge in cases is in part due to low vaccination rates and is rated second only to the holiday season surge of 2021-2023.
Even the most skeptical observers must concede that COVID is here to stay. In fact, current research and pharma are planning for it. Enter “Disease X.”
“Disease X” refers to a hypothetical infectious disease that has the potential to cause a future epidemic or pandemic. The concept of Disease X was introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) to emphasize the need for preparedness and research for unknown diseases that may emerge in the future. Their ideology is aligned with Erlab – ‘It is better to be prepared (and safe) than sorry.’ There are of course, diseases that spread in a different manner, however most viral diseases spread through the air within a cough or sneeze. ATDs that spread via the airborne route are called airborne infectious diseases (AirID).
Prevalent ATDs still threaten health.
Five of the most common ATDs are:
Tuberculosis (TB): TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB is spread when an infected individual with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing infectious aerosolized particles containing the bacteria into the air. Inhalation of these aerosols by others can lead to infection.
Measles: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus. It is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, aerosol transmission can also occur in certain settings, particularly in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. Measles virus can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, increasing the risk of exposure for individuals sharing the same airspace.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Pertussis is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is known for severe coughing fits and a characteristic “whooping” sound during inhalation. Pertussis is transmitted through respiratory droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. However, recent studies have suggested that aerosol transmission may also play a role in the spread of pertussis, especially in close-contact settings.
Meningococcal Meningitis: Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. While transmission primarily occurs through direct contact with respiratory secretions or close personal contact, there is evidence to suggest that aerosol transmission can occur in certain circumstances. This is particularly relevant in crowded settings such as dormitories, classrooms, military barracks, or healthcare facilities.
And of course, in 2024…. SARS-CoV-2 which is primarily transmitted from person to person following exposure to respiratory fluids carrying the infectious virus.
What they all have in common is respiratory infection through breathing in contaminated aerosolized particles.
Basing Future epidemic projections on past diseases
History has demonstrated just how quickly epidemics can spread across the globe and what happens when no solutions are in place to combat them. While no crystal ball exists to say what will strike, when, and where, it is highly likely it will be spread by contaminated droplets and airborne particulates. With any virus that is constantly moving and changing we now know it is important to have effective testing and reporting mechanisms in place to monitor them.
Being Prepared
That means that if an outbreak occurs or a new variant emerges, it can be flagged quickly to a central health authority. That is important from a reactive solution point of view because vaccines can be developed, but there are measures that can be put in place pro-actively to prevent a disease from ever reaching worldwide devastation or at the very least, lessening the health impact. Most researchers are of the opinion that when planning to prevent the next global outbreak, we should always consider the failures that have fueled our predicament in the first place. This being a complete lack of attention to transmission and protocols useful to prevent the spread of contaminated indoor air.
Since Disease X is a hypothetical and unknown disease, specific protections aimed directly at mitigating it cannot be defined at this time. However, there are steps that can be proactively taken to mitigate the spread of many infectious disease, including unknown ones, general measures can be taken to improve indoor air quality and reduce the transmission of pathogens.
Recommendations that bear repeating lest we become complacent.
Adequate ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in indoor spaces, as it helps dilute and remove airborne contaminants. This can be achieved by opening windows, using exhaust fans, or installing mechanical ventilation systems.
Air filtration: Consider using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or other air purifiers that can capture small particles and airborne pathogens. Regular maintenance and filter replacement are crucial for effectiveness.
Air quality monitoring: Implement monitoring systems to assess the quality of indoor air, including temperature, humidity, and levels of pollutants. This can help identify potential issues and take appropriate actions.
Regular cleaning and disinfection: Establish thorough cleaning protocols for frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and handrails. Use disinfectants recommended by health authorities for effective pathogen elimination.
Personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette: Promote good personal hygiene practices, such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows, and proper disposal of used tissues. Provide hand sanitizers in accessible locations.
Physical distancing: Encourage maintaining a safe distance between individuals, especially in crowded indoor spaces. This can help reduce the risk of respiratory droplet transmission.
Education and awareness: Promote public awareness about the importance of indoor air quality, proper hygiene practices, and the role of individuals in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Staying up-to-date
It is important to note that the specific measures required to mitigate the transmission of Disease X, or any other future disease may vary based on its characteristics and mode of transmission. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated on the guidance and recommendations provided by reputable health organizations, such as the WHO, IAQ mitigation experts, and local health authorities. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”