Assessment of risk of public health emergency and communicable diseases concerned in October in China, 2013

Objective To assess the risk of public health emergency and communicable diseases concerned in October in the mainland of China, 2013. Methods Expert counsel was conducted on the previous incidence data of public health emergency and communicable diseases reported in China through different channels. Results Previous surveillance indicated that the incidence of public health emergency in October is relatively high during a year. The number of public health emergency in October would be similar with that in September. The risk of dengue fever outbreak, both imported one and indigenous one, would still exist, especially in southern provinces. Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus and avian influenza A (H7N9) virus still might occur. The risk of seasonal respiratory infectious diseases, including seasonal influenza and mumps, would increase too. Now it is still the high risk season for enteric infectious diseases such as bacillary dysentery, viral diarrhea and hand foot and mouth disease. Although Middle East respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has not been recognized as an international public health concern yet, the risk of importation of MERS-CoV might increase as a result of increasing number of visitors from China to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage in October. With the coming of winter, coal-fired heating will be taken by people in northern China, the risk of non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning might increase. During the vacation of National Day, health departments should strengthen communicable disease surveillance, public health supervision and emergency preparation. Conclusion It is expected that the incidence of public health emergency/communicable diseases in October 2013 would be at a high level, which is similar with that in previous October in China. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance for dengue fever, human infections with A (H5N1) virus and A (H7N9) virus and MERS-CoV.