Risk assessment of public health emergencies and communicable diseases concerned in the mainland of China, May 2016

Objective To assess the risk of public health emergencies and communicable diseases concerned in the mainland of China in May 2016. Methods An internet based expert counsel was conducted to analyze the surveillance data of public health emergencies and priority communicable diseases in China reported through different channels, and the experts in all the provincial centers for disease control and prevention attended this video conference. Results According to the analysis of recent and previous surveillance data of communicable diseases and public health emergencies, it is predicted that the incidence of public health emergencies or communicable diseases in May would be highest in 2016. It is possible to detect more imported cases of mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika virus disease, dengue, yellow fever, Chikungunya fever in China, and Guangdong, Yunnan, Hainan, Fujian, Guangxi and Zhejiang provinces might be at risk of local transmission after the importation. The incidence of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) would increase gradually, including severe and death cases. Sporadic cases of human infection with avian influenza virus might occur. The incidence of food poisoning would increase gradually. Conclusion The incidence of public health emergencies or communicable diseases in May would be at the highest level in 2016. Close attention should be paid to the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika virus disease, dengue, yellow fever, Chikungunya fever, and HFMD.