A group of specialists has identified the 11 most perilous diseases as we approach 2025, along with their associated symptoms.
Even though the Covid-19 pandemic might seem like a distant memory, numerous diseases continue to affect thousands of Americans.
Here, we examine the 11 most concerning diseases for doctors at present, as detailed by the Daily Mirror.
While not technically a disease, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are becoming more prevalent, with the World Health Organization (WHO) classifying it as a global health threat.
In November, UKHSA Chief Executive Professor Dame Jenny Harries stated: “Increasingly the first antibiotics that patients receive aren’t effective at tackling their infections. That’s not just an inconvenience – it means they are at greater risk of developing a severe infection and sepsis. Our declining ability to treat and prevent infections is having an increasing impact, particularly on our poorest communities.
“Only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family. This isn’t just for your own health – it’s about protecting everyone in our communities and future generations.”
Bird flu can be contracted by coming into contact with infected animals, their droppings, or even their bedding.
Dr. Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, remarked: “A permanent member of any ‘possible infectious disease threat’ list, avian influenza evolves its shape and style a little like the Covid variants, and has the potential to cause a pandemic.
“We haven’t yet seen widespread human-to-human transmission – but we could do.”
Although there was only one confirmed case of chikungunya in Europe in 2024, Professor Hunter warns it could see an increase in the coming year.
Chikungunya is another mosquito-borne viral infection, similar to the mayaro virus and the ross river virus.
The majority of cases are found in South America, particularly in Brazil, which reported more than 400,000 cases between August and October 2024. However, the European climate is becoming increasingly suitable for mosquitoes, raising concerns among scientists about a potential rise in chikungunya.
Professor Hunter commented: “I think we will likely see more mosquito-borne diseases in southern Europe; mainly dengue but also probably chikungunya. I also worry about West Nile fever.”
Cholera has been identified by the WHO as a global public health threat, though the number of cases remains low.
Since the 19th century, there have been several cholera pandemics, predominantly affecting Africa and Asia.
While Covid-19 is less widespread as we head into 2025, it is certainly not eradicated.
Dr. Head noted: “The vaccines, along with use of medicines and diagnostics etc., have massively blunted the public health impact of COVID-19. But, it’s still here, very much hasn’t gone away, and will continue to pose a problem to health services and populations everywhere around the world. Do get vaccinated if another dose is offered to you!”
For those needing a reminder, Covid-19 symptoms include a continuous cough, high fever, and a change or loss in taste or smell.
This disease is more prevalent in South America and Southeast Asia and is the most commonly spread virus by mosquitoes worldwide.
The virus results in flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, and joint pain.
The term Disease X refers not to a specific infection, but rather to an unknown disease that has yet to emerge.
Dr. Head explained: “Disease X is the name given to an as-yet-unknown bug, that has the potential to cause large outbreaks or even a pandemic.
“This bug would have the potential to spread quickly and have a high mortality rate; for example like COVID-19.
“The world was poorly prepared for the most recent pandemic, and though we have significant advances in technology, such as the use of mRNA platforms for vaccines and other medicines, we would likely fall short again should Disease X emerge tomorrow.”
As expected, the symptoms for such a disease remain undefined.
Dr. Head mentioned: “Measles is vaccine-preventable. With two doses of the MMR vaccine, that stops measles in its tracks. With a high uptake, we could literally eradicate it from the planet, like smallpox. A lower uptake, partly due to too much covid interrupting health service delivery in the pandemic, means children in the UK and globally are being affected. It is a nasty infection in unvaccinated children, and it can and does kill.”
Measles primarily affects young children, causing over 100,000 deaths worldwide in 2023.
Scabies is a condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin to lay eggs, resulting in an itchy and unpleasant rash.
Dr. Head explained: “The mites burrow under the skin, causing an immune response that triggers inflammation and itching. You can catch it by prolonged skin-to-skin contact, or via clothes, furniture or bedding that an infected person may have used previously.”
Whooping cough, a bacterial infection, affects the lungs and can be fatal if not treated.
Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia commented that whooping cough continues to be a ‘big concern’ as it predominantly affects young children and infants.
Another mosquito-borne virus, transmitted via bites, presents symptoms such as headaches, fevers, swollen glands, and fatigue.
Although infections have been documented in countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Germany, cases are notably rare.