Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan. -Bernama filepic
PETALING JAYA: Although the possibility of Disease X emerging in the country must be kept on the horizon, excessive anxiety must be avoided, says the Health Ministry.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the health system of the country is being constantly strengthened as a preparation to face any health threats that may occur.
He said the ministry is on alert to the possibility of Disease X and is drawing on its experience in dealing with past outbreaks such as Covid-19, the Nipah virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
“Although the possibility of the occurrence of Disease X should be noted, excessive anxiety should be avoided.
“People are always advised to follow health guidelines, adopt good health practices and always get the latest information about the development of this disease,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 5).
To strengthen preparedness against Disease X, he also advised the public to practise a healthy lifestyle such as exercising, having a healthy body weight and avoiding risk factors such as smoking.
Disease X is the name coined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018 for an unknown pathogen with the potential to cause a worldwide epidemic.
This term was introduced to encourage a shift in research focus from single virus strains towards a more comprehensive classification of viruses, thereby strengthening global capacity in the preparedness to face this yet unidentified pathogen.
Dr Muhammad Radzi noted that although the nature and timing of Disease X have yet to be identified, it is reported that health experts have voiced concerns about the impact of the disease.
Compared to Covid-19 which causes less death, Disease X is expected to spread more easily, akin to measles and may be life-threatening like Ebola, he said.
Transmission of Disease X can originate from various sources including zoonotically, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and people.
Dr Muhammad Radzi also said that the rate of the Disease X spread will increase along with increased human-animal contact and cross-border movements by people.
WHO has meanwhile emphasised the need for flexible planning and consolidated preparedness to face Disease X.
The emergence of diseases such as SARS, MERS, Ebola, and Covid-19 over the past three decades has brought a constant threat to the health and economy of the world, he said.
Meanwhile, factors such as climate change, ecosystems, and urbanisation have exacerbated risks for future epidemics.
“To overcome this threat, the WHO emphasises the importance of a transparent scientific process in researching the origin of the virus,” he said.
As preparedness to face this not yet known disease, Dr Muhammad Radzi said a comprehensive pandemic plan, expansion of the vaccination campaign and special pandemic allocations as recommended by the WHO were important.
“The same goes for continuous monitoring, proactive actions, rational use of antibiotics, control measures, and international cooperation,” he said.
He added that the "One Health" approach emphasising the relationship between people, animal and environmental health were also important components to strengthen collaboration between various disciplines.
