The epidemic has not stopped yet, and there may be other epidemic diseases that are ready to strike again. World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made it clear that “Disease Dangerous viruses, need to be careful!
WHO warns of possible disease X outbreak!The fatality rate may be 20 times that of the new coronavirus
World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary-General Tedros Ghebreyesus recently stated that the outbreak of new pathogens or large-scale epidemics is “a matter of when, not if.” And he also clearly pointed out that “Disease X” is the biggest concern.
Tedros said that as early as 2018, the WHO had warned of the possible outbreak of a new epidemic, but the world was not prepared for “Disease X”. Even now, if Disease X comes tomorrow, the world may still be as troubled as when the COVID-19 epidemic spread. Scientists from various countries have even analyzed that when Disease X occurs, the fatality rate may be 20 times that of the new coronavirus epidemic.
What is disease X? What characteristics does it have?
What exactly is disease X? It is actually a concept developed by scientists and the WHO, which refers to “unknown pathogens that may appear in the future and cause serious international diseases or pandemics.” Before the epidemic broke out, today’s new coronavirus was one of the X diseases to people in the past.
According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the purpose of establishing the concept of disease The spread, impact on the human body, and immune response allow people to start preparing for these diseases in advance. Since not every pathogen can cause a pandemic, scientists generally believe that Disease X may have the following characteristics:
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Likely spread by respiratory transmission: allowing pathogens to infect more efficiently. Including: laughing, coughing, and sneezing may spread viruses, such as the new coronavirus.
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It is most likely a virus rather than a bacterium or fungus: it is likely to jump from an animal species to humans; or it could be a human pathogen that mutates to develop new characteristics, changing its genes to make it more conducive to causing a pandemic.
Disease X is coming?Luo Yijun named three dangerous viruses: influenza, new coronavirus, and Ebola virus
Taiwan is not a member of the WHO. How can we keep abreast of new information in the face of a possible disease X crisis in the future? CDC spokesperson Luo Yijun said that Taiwan will try to obtain relevant information through bilateral or multilateral cooperation with countries with similar concepts and friendly countries, and pay attention to whether there is information that only member states can know.
In addition, international epidemics and related information will be detected through other multiple channels. Judging from the situation in recent years, the information provided by the public platform is sufficient. For example, the WHO will directly disclose important virus gene sequences, antigenic analysis and other information, and there will be heavyweight scientists who will publish the information on social media.
Luo Yijun also further named the three major viruses on the X-virus issue, saying that from the perspective of viruses that have been pandemics, “influenza and new coronaviruses” are the viruses that need to be worried about the most. In addition, “Ebola and other hemorrhagic fever viruses” are also All need to be carefully guarded against.
In addition to the familiar influenza and novel coronavirus, other hemorrhagic diseases such as Ebola are also serious and easily spread. Taking Ebola virus as an example, the fatality rate after infection ranges from 25 to 90%, with an average fatality rate of 50%. In addition to symptoms such as fever, myalgia, skin spots, papules, and bleeding, severe cases are more likely to cause liver damage, kidney failure, central nervous system damage, shock, and multiple organ failure.
Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask during flu season! 6 major measures to prevent infection
During the season when viruses such as influenza are spreading widely, self-care must not be neglected. Based on information from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and “High Medical News”, the public can prevent viruses from invading the human body and improve immunity through the following measures:
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Strengthen personal hygiene habits: wash hands frequently to avoid contact infection.
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Pay attention to respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette: wear a mask and maintain social distance.
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Reduce access to public places when you are sick; if you go out, remember to wear a mask and cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
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Balanced diet: It is best to eat whole grains as staple food, paired with milk, lean meat, fish or soy products to absorb the protein needed to repair the body; increase the intake of vegetables and fruits.
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Regular exercise: moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, etc.) for at least 30 minutes each time, at least 5 days a week; or vigorous aerobic exercise (such as running, climbing, fast walking, etc.) for at least 20 minutes each time, at least 3 days a week. Cycling, swimming, etc.).
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Adequate sleep: 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. Sleep is a time for the body’s organs to rest and repair. The more adequate the rest, the stronger the body’s ability to resist infection.
How to prevent Ebola virus infection? Xie Simin, an attending physician at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, once wrote that Ebola virus may exist in African animal hosts (such as bats, monkeys, etc.). In addition, it is mainly infected through “contact infection”, including broken skin or mucous membranes, or direct contact with the infected person’s blood, secretions, body fluids (vomit, urine, feces, semen, etc.), indirect contact with the infected person’s body fluids Infection due to environment.
When the Ebola epidemic spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa, the CDC issued a reminder that if people must travel there, they should avoid contact with or eating wild animals; do not visit local hospitals or come into contact with patients; and should pay attention to personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, Wear a mask and other personal protection when coughing. If you develop symptoms after returning to Taiwan and seek medical treatment on your own, you should inform the doctor of your travel contact history for the doctor’s judgment.
Dr. Xie Simin explained that due to the lack of medical resources in West Africa compared to Taiwan, the answer to whether the fatality rate of the Ebola epidemic in Taiwan will still be that high is still unknown. However, with Taiwan’s rich medical resources and sound public health system, as long as we are alert in advance, we believe that Can reduce fatality rate to a minimum.
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2024-02-20 08:00:00
