Risk assessment of public health emergencies concerned in the mainland of China, September 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 September 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 September than August. The risk of imported cases and secondary infections of COVID-19 would continue to exist, but would be controllable. It is the high incidence season of human plague. The risk of human infection in the plague focus would still exist. The possibility of long-distance transmission of plague would not be ruled out. Sporadic cases of human infections with avian influenza or other type animal influenza might still occur, but the possibility of large-scale transmission is very low. Anthrax would be at high incidence period and clusters might still occur. With the coming of autumnal epidemic period of hand, foot and mouth disease, the incidence would increase, especially in southern provinces. Conclusion Special attention should be paid to COVID-19, and general attention should be paid to plague, human infections with avian influenza, anthrax and hand, foot and mouth disease.