Abstract:
Objective To detect global infectious disease events occurring outside China in May 2025 and assess the importation risk to China and international travel risk.
Methods Utilizing open-source intelligence on the internet, this study conducts event-based surveillance of priority infectious diseases and adopts the risk matrix methodology to build an indicator system by integrating disease-, country- and event-specific indicators in terms of transmission likelihood and severity of consequences in order to assess the risk of the importation and the risk of international travel.
Results In May 2025, 11 concerned infectious diseases were detected to form events or outbreaks in 41 countries worldwide. In terms of importation risk to China, there are 3 high-risk events and 22 medium-risk events; in terms of international travel risk, there are 14 high-risk events and 29 medium-risk events.
Conclusion It is recommended to pay close attention to dengue fever in Asia, which may pose import risks. In terms of overseas travel risks, it is recommended that international travelers pay close attention to dengue fever in North America, Oceania, Asia and South America, chikungunya fever in Brazil, Reunion Island and Republic of Mauritius. Compared to April 2025, general attention should be paid to dengue fever in Honduras, French Polynesia, Tonga and Kiribati, mpox in Ethiopia, measles in Australia, polio in Chad, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Papua New Guinea, pertussis in Japan and Australia, Cholera in Namibia, Sudan and South Sudan, Lassa fever in Nigeria in May 2025.