Risk assessment of public health emergencies and communicable diseases concerned in the mainland of China, December 2017

Objective To assess the risks of public health emergencies and communicable diseases concerned in the mainland of China in December 2017 based on the analysis of data both at home and abroad. Methods An internet based expert counsel was conducted to analyze the global disease information and surveillance data of public health emergencies and priority communicable diseases in China reported through different channels, and the experts in 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 December would be similar to that in November 2017, mainly the outbreaks of communicable diseases in schools, such as varicella, influenza, mumps, hand foot and mouth disease and other infectious diarrheal diseases. Sporadic cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) and other subtype viruses or other animal influenza virus would continue to occur. The incidence level of seasonal influenza would increase. More viral diarrhea outbreaks might occur. Tuberculosis (TB) clusters might be found in schools. It is the high incidence season of non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning and air pollution (smog) related health events.Conclusion The incidence of public health emergencies or communicable diseases in December would be similar to that in November 2017. Close attention should be paid to the public health risks of human infection with avian influenza virus, seasonal influenza, viral diarrhea, TB, non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning and smog related health events.