Essential disease prevention guide for everyone to follow

Author: Health Education Division; Reviewer: Dr. Liu Wei; Curator: Zhang Li; Production/Organizational Information: National Health Commission.

Aside from common diseases, some rare diseases, though infrequent, may face delays in prevention and control due to insufficient awareness, which can jeopardize health. Adopting the following scientific protective measures can effectively reduce the risk of such diseases.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is an acute infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Although the disease is endemic at a low level in our country, the mortality rate is relatively high, and some patients may suffer from severe sequelae. The core of prevention lies in mosquito control and vaccination: during summer nights, it is advisable to avoid areas densely populated by mosquitoes, wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going out, and utilize mosquito nets or incense at home for protection. Children of appropriate age should receive the full course of the JE vaccine according to the national immunization program, as this constitutes the most effective preventive measure. Adults traveling to endemic areas may also choose to be vaccinated voluntarily.

Monkeypox, a newer acute infectious disease, is primarily transmitted through close contact. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe cases. Daily prevention measures include avoiding contact with suspected patients or their secretions and practicing personal protection when visiting endemic areas. It is crucial to develop good hygiene habits, such as washing hands promptly after contact with public items. If symptoms like fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes arise, one should seek medical attention immediately and proactively inform the healthcare provider of any exposure history.

Dwarfism due to skeletal dysplasia is a common hereditary rare disease characterized by short stature and skeletal deformities. Currently, there are no specific medications available, making early screening and intervention vital. Prevention focuses on pre-pregnancy screening; couples with a family history of the condition should undergo genetic testing. If both partners are carriers of pathogenic mutations, prenatal diagnosis should be conducted under medical guidance. Children diagnosed with the condition require regular follow-up appointments and should be monitored for growth and development through multidisciplinary collaboration to address any complications in a timely manner.

Hidden cancers (such as early liver cancer and pancreatic cancer) often remain undetected due to subtle symptoms, leading to diagnosis primarily in the mid to late stages. The key to prevention lies in targeted screening: high-risk groups for liver cancer should undergo liver ultrasounds and alpha-fetoprotein tests every six months, while high-risk groups for lung cancer should have regular low-dose spiral CT screenings. For high-risk groups for pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer, a combination of tumor markers and imaging examinations is essential. Additionally, maintaining a regular daily routine, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and reducing high-fat diets are critical. If symptoms such as sudden weight loss or abnormal bowel movements occur, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

The prevention and control of rare diseases rely on early recognition, early screening, and early intervention. By adhering to the protective guidelines from authoritative organizations and paying attention to subtle changes in the body, we can establish a robust defense for our health.