Health Science

Is a rare disease the next pandemic threat?

Are rare diseases overlooked while focusing on COVID-19? Can a rare disease become a pandemic threat? Here is an overview of the concept of a rare disease pandemic and how we can prepare for it by hazelblack
Estimated reading time: 3 min 9 sec
Is a rare disease the next pandemic threat? Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

The world is currently dealing with a pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, and it has shown us how vulnerable we are to emerging diseases.

However, while we focus on COVID-19, there are many other rare diseases that are overlooked, and they may become a pandemic threat in the future. These diseases affect a small number of people, but they can still spread rapidly to cause global havoc. In this article, we will explore the concept of rare diseases being a pandemic threat and how we can prepare for such a situation.

What is a rare disease?

A rare disease is a health condition that affects a small number of people in the population. In the EU, a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people.

In the US, a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people. There are over 7,000 rare diseases currently identified worldwide, and they can be genetic or infectious in nature.

Why could a rare disease become a pandemic threat?

A rare disease can become a pandemic threat when it has the potential to spread rapidly among people. This can happen when:.

  • The disease is highly infectious and has a short incubation period
  • The disease can be transmitted through various means, such as through the air, water, or food
  • The disease has a high mortality rate, which can cause fear and panic
  • There is no cure or vaccine available for the disease

Examples of rare diseases that could become a pandemic threat

Here are some examples of rare diseases that have the potential to become a pandemic threat:.

Marburg virus disease

Marburg virus disease is a severe, highly infectious disease caused by the Marburg virus. It belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola virus, and it has a similar mode of transmission.

The disease has a high mortality rate, and there is no cure or vaccine available for it. The most recent outbreak of Marburg virus disease occurred in Uganda in 2017, and it resulted in one death.

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MERS

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus. The disease was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012, and it has since spread to other countries in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

MERS has a high mortality rate, and there is no cure or vaccine available for it. The most recent outbreak of MERS occurred in South Korea in 2015, and it resulted in 186 confirmed cases and 36 deaths.

Nipah virus infection

Nipah virus infection is a rare disease that is caused by the Nipah virus. It is transmitted from animals to humans, and it can also be transmitted from human to human.

The disease has a high mortality rate, and there is no cure or vaccine available for it. The most recent outbreak of Nipah virus infection occurred in India in 2018, and it resulted in 17 deaths.

How can we prepare for a rare disease pandemic?

Preparation is key when it comes to preventing a rare disease pandemic from happening. Here are some measures that can be taken:.

  • Invest in research and development of vaccines and treatments for rare diseases
  • Improve surveillance and monitoring systems to detect outbreaks early
  • Strengthen health systems to ensure that they can handle a sudden influx of patients
  • Ensure that healthcare workers are trained and equipped to deal with rare diseases
  • Collaborate with other countries and organizations to share information and resources

Conclusion

Rare diseases may not be a significant concern for most people, but they have the potential to become a pandemic threat.

The world must be prepared to handle such situations by investing in research, improving surveillance systems, and strengthening health systems. Only by working together can we prevent a rare disease pandemic from happening.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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