diff --git a/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI b/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
index 6601c0cd2..b12b57e41 100644
--- a/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
+++ b/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
@@ -2712,7 +2712,7 @@ FOOD_EATING_SOUNDS               = TRUE
 ; Doctors can cure most diseases. Some medicine items also help, and you can protect yourself with other items.
 
 ; set this to TRUE to play with diseases.
-DISEASE = TRUE
+DISEASE = FALSE
 
 ; if DISEASE and DISEASE_STRATEGIC are set to TRUE, the first disease (arulcan plague) will also affect civilians, soldiers and militia.
 ; It can break out in swamp & tropical sectors and spread as infected troops move around.