A team of experts have revealed the 11 most dangerous diseases as we head into 2025, and the associated symptoms that come with it.
While the Covid-19 pandemic may been forgotten about now, there are many diseases impacting thousands of Americans.
So here, we take a look at the 11 most dangerous diseases that are concerning doctors right now (as per the Daily Mirror).
Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
While not a disease as such, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are on the rise, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) describing it as a global health threat.
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UKHSA Chief Executive Professor Dame Jenny Harries said in November: "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
Bird flu is spread by touching infected animals, their droppings, or even bedding.
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Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, said: "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."
Chikungunya
There was only one confirmed case of chikungunya in Europe in 2024, but it could be on the rise in the coming year, warned Professor Hunter.
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It's another mosquito-driven viral infection, and is similar to the mayaro virus and the ross river virus.
Almost all cases of the virus are found in South America; particularly in Brazil, which had more than 400,000 between August and October in 2024. But, European climates are becoming more favourable for mosquitoes, and scientists fear chikungunya could be on the rise.
Professor Hunter said: "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
The WHO has warned cholera is a global public health threat, though cases do remain low.
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There have been several cholera pandemics since the 19th century, with cases largely coming from the continents of Africa and Asia.
Covid
While Covid is certainly less prevalent heading into 2025, the disease certainly hasn't gone away.
Dr Head said: "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 if offered to you!"
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In case you need reminding, symptoms of Covid include a continuous cough, high fever, and a change or loss in your taste or smell.
Dengue
Such disease is more commonly found in South America and Southeast Asia, and is the world's most commonly transmitted virus by mosquitoes.
The virus causes flu-like symptoms including a fever, headaches, and joint pain.
Disease X
Disease X isn't an actual infection, but more a disease that is yet to be identified.
Dr Head said: "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 you'd probably expect, the symptoms for such a disease remain unclear.
Measles
Dr Head said: "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 largely impacts small children, with over 100,000 people dying from the disease globally in 2023.
Scabies
Scabies is caused by minuscule mites burrowing into the skin to lay eggs, which can in turn cause an unpleasant and itchy rash.
Dr Head said: "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, whopping cough affects the lungs and can prove deadly if left untreated.
Medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, Paul Hunter said whooping cough remains a 'big concern' as it impacts mostly young children and babies.
West Nile fever
The virus is transmitted by a mosquito bite, with common symptoms including headaches, fevers, swollen glands and tiredness.
Infections have been reported in the likes of Spain, France, Italy and Germany, but cases remain extremely rare.
Topics: Health
Callum Jones