Health chiefs' terrifying warning - 4 viruses ALREADY circulating could trigger next pandemic READ MORE: Britain must act NOW to survive deadly disease X By RACHEL DOWD Published: 06:42 EDT, 25 March 2025 | Updated: 06:45 EDT, 25 March 2025 e-mail View comments UK health chiefs have issued a stark warning about 24 deadly viruses that could trigger the next 'Disease X' — a term often used to describe the culprit behind the next pandemic. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has narrowed the deadliest down to four pathogens that are currently circulating in the UK — including a measles-like virus that could be ‘considerably more dangerous than Covid.’ A leading scientist has warned the list includes viruses that could be ‘impossible to control by even the strictest lockdown ’.
Such is the concern that the Government announced the launch of a new reference document that will be constantly updated, to keep scientists and researchers up to date with the latest threats. One alarming pathogen is that of the Picornaviridae family, which cause a type of virus that triggers polio-like diseases. One example is a disease called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), which triggers muscle weakness and paralysis.
Health chiefs have also warned that viruses of the Paramyxoviridae family may also have pandemic potential. These include measles, mumps and some respiratory tract infections, as well as the Nipah virus — which can spread from bats or pigs to humans — and causes brain swel.
