Disease X: Hunting the Next Pandemic

A new documentary, Disease X: Hunting the Next Pandemic, featuring UCLH Consultant Dr Chris van Tulleken, aired last night on the BBC and is now available on BBC iPlayer.

Chris’ global investigation for the pathogen that could trigger the next pandemic also explores the cutting-edge science developed to tackle it - including visiting his team at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, UCLH. 

To uncover what Disease X might be, Chris follows the paths of past deadly viruses. He visits Malaysia, where the Nipah virus emerged, which inspired the film Contagion. He also visits California, where there is an ongoing bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle.

Chris interviews the HTD’s Dr Cat Houlihan, Consultant in clinical virology and infectious diseases, UCLH, about her new test, which could identify any previously unknown pathogen. Cat said:

“Taking part was a great opportunity to highlight the role of advanced diagnostics in tackling emerging infections. Metagenomics can detect any pathogen in a patient’s sample using next-generation sequencing, and that capability is critical for future pandemic preparedness. It’s very timely as I am now participating in Operation Pegasus, the national exercise to test and strengthen our response to future pandemics.”

Chris said, “I’m proud to work at a place where such pioneering work to fight emerging infections is happening. It was wonderful to be able to showcase this work and to help emphasise the things we can do to prepare for the next pandemic. A huge thanks to all my colleagues at UCLH who helped with the film, and who help keep us all safe from pandemic disease.”