diff --git a/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI b/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
index bf8e40425..29d0f6815 100644
--- a/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
+++ b/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
@@ -2704,6 +2704,10 @@ DISEASE_STRATEGIC = TRUE
 ; requires DISEASE and DISEASE_STRATEGIC to be TRUE
 DISEASE_WHO_SUBSCRIPTIONCOST = 2000
 
+; if a merc with disease #0 consumes food, the food becomes contaminated - anybody eating from it will get the disease
+; if a merc with disease #0 is hit by a blade or throwing knife, that item becomes contaminated - anybody hit with it will get the disease
+DISEASE_CONTAMINATES_ITEMS = TRUE
+
 ;******************************************************************************************************************************
 ;******************************************************************************************************************************