Even as fears of COVID-19 have slightly been calmed down by the World Health Organization, new concerns of a potential pandemic named Disease X have put scientists across the world on high alert. According to experts, alarms have been sounded - warning that this mysterious virus could be 20 times deadlier than the coronavirus, possibly causing a global catastrophe akin to the Spanish flu.

News reports say the potential impact of such a virus could include travel restrictions, national lockdowns, severe illness, and thousands of deaths.

In anticipation, researchers are working tirelessly to prepare for the potential threat and identify possible symptoms.

A leading expert has now warned that the initial signs of Disease X could mirror those of COVID-19. "I would expect that Disease X would likely start with common signs of infection-fever, fatigue, and muscle aches are typical early indicators,” Dr. Dr Rimas Geiga told The Daily Mirror.

According to Dr. Geiga, respiratory signs like breathlessness should be taken seriously. "Respiratory symptoms could also be part of the picture, especially if the pathogen affects the lungs, but the symptoms could vary widely depending on the specific nature of the disease. In my experience, it's always essential to stay alert to these early signs, as they could signal something more serious," he added.

Apart from taking care of your lungs, you must also watch out for:

• Recurrent and persistent fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

All of these could be early indicators of the virus. However, Dr. Geiga says the exact symptoms can only be determined once the virus is in circulation.

He cautioned: "The world has seen how quickly an unknown disease can spread, so it's crucial that we have the systems in place to detect, diagnose, and respond swiftly.

"Disease X could very well be the one that catches us off guard, but if we stay vigilant and ready, we can better mitigate its impact and prevent widespread devastation."

Disease X refers to a mysterious illness that hasn't been discovered yet but could become a worldwide health crisis, like a pandemic. It is believed that it could spread widely and make people sick on a large scale.

Experts believe Disease X may evolve in wild or domestic animals before infecting humans. The zoonotic nature, potentially involving an RNA virus, raises concerns about the ease of transmission between animals and humans, necessitating vigilant surveillance.

Disease X was added to the WHO's list of potential threats in 2018. Scientists believe Disease X could be 20 times more deadly than the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Experts at WHO say it's crucial to study and develop ways to stop Disease X before it causes millions of deaths around the world.

According to the WHO, Disease X requires a coordinated and proactive approach from governments, healthcare organizations, and communities, steps for which include:

Implementation of robust surveillance systems to monitor for any signs of Disease X. This includes early detection of unusual symptoms or patterns of illness.

Development of comprehensive preparedness plans at national and global levels to respond swiftly to outbreaks of Disease X, which involves stockpiling medical supplies and establishing quarantine protocols.

Educating the public about Disease X and preventive measures they can take to reduce the risk of transmission.

Fostering international cooperation and information sharing to coordinate efforts in detecting, containing, and managing outbreaks of Disease X.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.