+2 votes
in General Factchecking by Genius (41.4k points)
Disease X is the next plandemic.

3 Answers

+8 votes
by Journeyman (2.7k points)
selected by
 
Best answer

This is false, however, Disease X could very well represent the next pandemic. Disease X is not itself a disease; it represents the fact that an unknown disease could pose a serious threat to humans.

According to the World Health Organization, which lists Disease X among its priority diseases for research and development, "Disease X represents the knowledge that a serious international epidemic could be caused by a pathogen currently unknown to cause human disease. The R&D Blueprint explicitly seeks to enable early cross-cutting R&D preparedness that is also relevant for an unknown “Disease X.""

https://www.who.int/activities/prioritizing-diseases-for-research-and-development-in-emergency-contexts

The WHO has also described Disease X as " an unknown pathogen that could cause a serious international epidemic."

https://www.who.int/news/item/21-11-2022-who-to-identify-pathogens-that-could-cause-future-outbreaks-and-pandemics

According to The Washington Post, the purpose of Disease X is " to encourage the development of platform technologies, including vaccines, drug therapies and diagnostic tests, that could be rapidly adapted and deployed in response to an array of future outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/27/what-is-disease-x-how-scientists-are-preparing-for-the-next-pandemic/a557100a-5d05-11ee-b961-94e18b27be28_story.html

False
by Journeyman (2.2k points)
I like your usage of three credible sources to respond to this claim, as well as directly quoting from them. However, it would be beneficial to add your own words after quoting from them for more explanation.
by Legend (6.2k points)
I enjoyed the multiple sources you used as to back up the fact check as well as some of the explanations and answers provided. Well done!
by Apprentice (1.6k points)
Great use of sources and great explanation and analysis of the source and making the answer credible.
by Journeyman (3.0k points)
I really liked the way you provided three credible sources to respond to the claim as well as the introduction paragraph that provided context.
by Apprentice (1.7k points)
I liked how you pulled out specific quotes from each of your sources and used three of them.
by Master (4.2k points)
This is a strong fact check due to multiple credible sources and direct quotes from each source. The quotes help connect your points and prove why the statement is false.
by Apprentice (1.2k points)
I enjoyed your use of reliable sources, and your fact check was worded well! Your response was neither condescending nor biased, and outlined the facts in a clear way that debunked their claim and educates everyone involved.
by Novice (750 points)
I like how you added direct quotes along with good credible sources. You did a good job at fact-checking.
+3 votes
by Apprentice (1.6k points)

It is not confirmed that it will be the next one, but disease X is a thing that has been used for several years alongside familiar diseases like Zika and Ebola it is a term the World Health organization uses to identify diseases. They are taking precautions so that it doesn't become a big problem and that they are prepared. 

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/worry-disease-x-heres-experts-212651922.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFgf6Hom6_LljeqJx4mANE1F9z6ox7XVMeXS9C71aqsQsUmgwQhJbplsy7mZvhbU79ccrxMgHyj5LnxuD9NI61GHp53BZSe_-IY-ldIACZ370w0pGTo0YXEbAuCFK6pl9H_Q2ktiFXDpUUtjrq1SDjfoMyGij6ZIsgxbgsFPQ4LK

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/wellness/2023/10/03/what-is-disease-x-how-scientists-are-preparing-for-the-next-pandemic/71041546007/

+4 votes
by Journeyman (2.5k points)

Disease X isn't a disease, it's a variable. It's sort of like calling an unknown person a Jane Doe. It's a fill-in term for something unknown. A hypothetical.

Here's a quote from the National Institute of Health's Library of Medicine:

"Since 2015, the WHO has used this designation for a disease that could cause a pandemic due to a pathogen currently unknown to cause human illness. Last year’s Disease X now has a name, COVID-19. The next unknown and unnamed entity may already be lurking."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7390567/

The WHO (World Health Organization) is what is using this term to describe the next potential pandemic cause. 

Technically, the statement is true, as whatever Disease X turns out to be could very well cause another pandemic, but the way this is phrased makes it sound like some disease named by Elon Musk is already up and running. Therefore, I'd argue it's misleading.

Exaggerated/ Misleading
by Master (4.2k points)
I really like your explanation of what Disease X is and your use of a direct quote. Since you mentioned that WHO is using the term to describe the next potential pandemic cause, it may be beneficial to your fact check to get a direct quote or at least link the source.
by Novice (970 points)
I like how you clarified that technically, whatever the next disease is that happens to turn into another pandemic could be called disease x. However, this name is used as a placeholder and does not have anything to do with Elon Musk. I think it would also help if you added another source to back up your claims.

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