Hantavirus scare a wake-up call: Why India must build its disease X defences

A recent hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship echoes past pandemic scares. Experts warn Disease X, a future unknown pathogen, is a near certainty. This virus jumps from animals to humans. India faces challenges due to high human-animal contact. Prevention, not just response, is crucial. Better sanitation and consistent surveillance are needed to prepare for future threats.