Analysis on epidemics of priority communicable diseases in China in winter and spring of 2017-2018

Objective To evaluate the epidemic trend of priority communicable diseases in China in winter and spring of 2017-2018 and provide evidence for the improvement of the surveillance,prevention and control of communicable diseases during this period. Methods The surveillance data of communicable diseases from 1 January to 17 December in 2017 were collected from the national notifiable communicable disease reporting system and the influenza surveillance system for analysis and evaluation. Results As of 17 December 2017,the overall morbidity and mortality of communicable disease increased by 0.6% and 8.0% respectively compared with the same period in 2016. As an influenza season,the influenza epidemic would increase in China,and more influenza cases and outbreaks might occur in both southern and northern areas. The epidemics of other infectious diarrheal diseases,mainly the outbreaks of norovirus infection,increased by 182% compared with the same period in 2016(120 outbreaks). Most cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome were reported in Shaanxi,Shandong, Heilongjiang,Liaoning and Hunan provinces. It is predicted that tuberculosis clustering would be more likely to be reported in schools again. In some areas,the reported case numbers of mumps,scarlet fever,pertussis and other respiratory infectious diseases increased obviously compared with 2016. Conclusion It is predicted that the epidemics of communicable diseases would increase in winter and spring of 2017-2018,Close attention should be paid to the epidemics of priority communicable diseases,such as influenza,norovirus caused infectious diarrhea,hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and tuberculosis. It is necessary to strengthen the epidemic surveillance,reporting and response,practice all the prevention and control measures and enhance the population health education and risk communication.