Risk assessment of public health emergencies concerned in China, July 2026

Objective  To assess the risk of infectious disease epidemic situation public health emergencies that may occur or be imported from abroad in China (except Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions and Taiwan region, the same below) in July 2026.

Methods Based on the reports of domestic and foreign public health emergencies and surveillance results of key infectious diseases or notifications from relative agencies and departments, the expert consultation conference was held and experts from provincial (autonomous region and municipal) centers for disease control and prevention attended this conference through video terminal.

Results The epidemic of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo shows ongoing transmission and the continued expansion, it is expected to persist for an extended period, posing a risk of importation to China. However, the risk of local secondary transmission following importation remains low. Continuous screening and tracing of at-risk individuals must be maintained. The risk of local transmission resulting from imported cases of dengue fever and chikungunya fever continues to increase, all risk areas should reduce the mosquito vector density. Once the case is detected, immediate monitoring for mosquito vector density should be initiated to guide precise policy implementation to prevent the occurrence of large-scale epidemics. The incidence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) will enter an upward phase. Strengthen public health education to raise awareness of personal prevention and infection control, thereby reducing the risk of exposure and cluster outbreaks. The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a fluctuating pattern. Attention should be paid to the severe infection of the elderly and infants. Sporadic cases of human infection with novel influenza A virus may be detected in China. Strengthen joint investigations by multiple departments and conduct risk assessments for high-risk populations. The epidemic of mpox remains at a low level of fluctuation. Strengthen epidemiological investigations and cross-jurisdictional inquiries, and enhance joint prevention and control mechanisms. Public health education regarding the prevention of hepatitis A, food poisoning, and heatstroke should be strengthened to encourage the public to proactively adopt preventive measures and mitigate risks. Enhance health emergency on-duty arrangements for natural disasters, and promptly mobilize post-disaster sanitation and epidemic prevention efforts.

Conclusion Attention should be paid to EVD, SFTS, dengue fever, chikungunya fever, COVID-19, human infection with novel influenza A virus, mpox, hepatitis A, food poisoning, heatstroke. Ensure robust risk prevention measures are in place.