Virus Photo: VCG

While the occurrence of "Disease X," which is gaining global attention, is difficult to avoid, the resulting pandemic can be prevented and dealt with, Wang Hesheng, director of China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, told a press conference on the sidelines of the two sessions on Saturday. 

Wang said that the "X disease" doesn't represent a specific disease, but rather an infectious disease triggered by an unknown pathogen that could lead to a global pandemic. It is mainly characterized as "highly fatal, rapidly infectious and easily mutable," and it has a great deal of uncertainty in its development, making it difficult to predict the pathogens, as well as the time and place of its occurrence. 

Wang listed corresponding measures to prevent and respond to "X Disease" becoming a pandemic. The first is to establish a system of related laws and regulations, carry out prevention and control in accordance with law, optimize the allocation of resources, and improve the  mechanisms for emergency conversion.

The second is to establish a multi-channel monitoring and early warning system, strengthen the risk assessment of infectious diseases, and enhance the ability of early detection. Wang also suggested establishing a system of contingency preparedness, strengthening the emergency response teams readiness, and ensuring that necessary material reserves are sufficient.

The fourth is to establish a sound scientific prevention and control system, increase investment in scientific research, promote forward-looking research on infectious disease pandemics, and enhance scientific and technological support capabilities.

Wang also suggested establishing a system of mass prevention and control, improve departmental linkage, and carry out extensive promulgation of science and education to comprehensively enhance public health awareness and disease prevention capabilities.

Experts from various countries generally believe that the risk of a global pandemic caused by "Disease X" is increasing due to factors including accelerated changes in global climate, the expanding scope of human activities, and frequent cross-species transmission of pathogens, Wang said during the press conference.

Wang also noted that China currently has built the world's largest net-based direct reporting system for infectious diseases, and the average reporting time has been shortened from five days to four hours. Meanwhile, 20 national outbreak acute infectious disease prevention and control teams have been established, and five new "national teams" will come out in the future to further improve the capacity and level of response to infectious diseases.

Global Times