Risk assessment of public health emergencies concerned in the mainland of China, March 2021

  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 March 2021.

  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 provincial centers for disease control and prevention attended this video conference.

  Results   Generally speaking, it is predicted that the incidence of public health emergencies would be higher in March than February. The risk of imported cases and secondary infections of COVID-19 would continue to exist, but would be controllable. Sporadic cases of human infection with avian influenza might still occur. Enteritis due to norovirus would continue to increase, and clusters and outbreaks might still occur in schools and childcare facilities. Mushroom poisoning would begin to increase in southern provinces.

  Conclusion   Special attention should be paid to COVID-19, and general attention should be paid to human infection with avian influenza, enteritis due to norovirus and mushroom poisoning.