Risk assessment of public health emergencies concerned in the mainland of China, November 2018

Objective To assess the risk of public health emergencies, both the indigenous ones and the imported ones, which might occur in the mainland of China in November 2018.

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 meeting through video conference.

Results Overall, it is predicted that the number of public health emergencies reported in November would increase compared with October, which might be mainly the epidemics of varicella, seasonal influenza, mumps, other infectious diarrheal diseases and hand foot and mouth disease. Sporadic cases of human infected with avian influenza virus might occur. The incidence of respiratory infections, such as seasonal influenza, would increase. The epidemic of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo is still serious. The incidence of non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning would become higher in November.

Conclusion It is necessary to pay close attention to human infection with avian influenza virus and non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning, and pay general attention to seasonal influenza, norovirus caused infectious diarrhea and Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo.