National Notifiable Infectious Disease Research Articles

The epidemiological trends of 40 national notifiable infectious diseases in China: An analysis of national surveillance data from 2013 to 2022

The epidemiological trends of 40 national notifiable infectious diseases in China: An analysis of national surveillance data from 2013 to 2022

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, July 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, July 2024.

Clinical characteristics and IgG antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 among COVID-19 patients in the POYUN factory (Hai Duong) outbreak, 2021

We conducted a cross - sectional study, from Jan 2021 to May 2021, on COVID-19 cases of the POYUN factory outbreak in Hai Duong province, to describe clinical features and explore IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 status. Data from COVID-19 patients were extracted from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Information System, and 137 blood samples were collected for ELISA testing; statistical analyses were conducted using STATA version 16.0. Among 182 COVID-19 patients, females accounted for 73.6%, the mean age was 30.2 ± 6.1. Approximately 40% of patients had onset symptom(s); the incubation period was 7.6 (95%CI: 6.5 - 8.7) days. Clinical symptoms included fatigue (36.3%), cough (34.6%), sore throat (32.4%), and fever (31.3%); other symptoms such as muscle/joint pain, and chill,… ranged from 24% - 30%. Nearly 65% of blood samples were IgG-positive; higher IgG (+) proportions were seen among patients with onset symptoms (77.4%), fever (82.4%), chill (85.7%), muscle/joint pain (84.8%), and loss of taste/smell (96.1%). The median time of IgG antibody response was 50 days post-infection, and 65.5% of patients who contracted COVID-19 ≥ 45 days had IgG (+) in their blood samples. COVID-19 patients presented with fever, muscle/joint pain, cough, and loss of taste/smell were more likely to be IgG positive. The limitations of our research included small sample size, using the convenient sampling method, and using one cut point for ELISA testing… which may lead to potential bias. In conclusion, patients in the POYUN outbreak showed specific symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The IgG antibody response among COVID-19 patients was not prolonged and was associated with presented symptoms.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, June 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, June 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, May 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, May 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, April 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, April 2024.

Spatial-temporal analysis of hepatitis B in Fujian Province, China in 2012–2021

BackgroundFujian Province has one of the highest reported incidences of hepatitis B virus infection in China. This study aimed to provide a theoretical framework for preventing and controlling hepatitis B in Fujian Province, and to assess the trends and the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of hepatitis B in this region. MethodsData on hepatitis B cases were extracted from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System. Spatial autocorrelation analysis, trend surface analysis, and spatial-temporal scanning statistics were used to identify the spatial and aggregation patterns at the county level. The Joinpoint was used to assess the reported incidence trends. ResultsThe average reported incidence of hepatitis B in Fujian from 2012 to 2021 was 14.46/10,000 population, with 583,262 notified cases. The age-adjusted reported incidence of hepatitis B decreased from 17.44/10,000 population in 2012 to 11.88/10,000 population in 2021, with an average reduction in the annual percentage change of 4.5%. There were obvious spatial-temporal aggregation characteristics in hepatitis B cases, and a high-incidence area was located in eastern Fujian. Spatio-temporal scanning statistics revealed four levels of aggregation of hepatitis B reporting rates. The first level of aggregation area included Minhou, Gulou, Jin'an, Taijiang, and nine other districts and counties. ConclusionsThe incidence of hepatitis B is declining in Fujian Province. Spatial clusters of hepatitis B cases in Fujian Province were identified, and high-risk areas in eastern Fujian still exist. Closely monitoring the general patterns in the occurrence of hepatitis B and implementing focused control and preventative strategies are important.

Trends in temporal and spatial changes of Japanese encephalitis in Chinese mainland, 2004–2019: A population-based surveillance study

BackgroundJapanese encephalitis (JE) is a serious health concern in China, with approximately 80 % of global infections occurring in China. To develop effective prevention and control strategies, this study explored the epidemiological characteristics of JE in China based on spatiotemporal data, to understand the patterns and trends of JE incidence in different regions and time periods. MethodThe incidence and mortality rates of JE were extracted from the Public Health Data Center, the official website of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, and the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System from 2004 to 2019. Joinpoint regression was applied to examine the spatiotemporal patterns and annual percentage change in incidence and mortality of the JE. ResultsFrom 2004 to 2019, a total of 43,569 cases of JE were diagnosed, including 2081 deaths. The annual incidence rate of JE decreased from 0.4171/100,000 in 2004 to 0.0298/100,000 in 2019, with an annual percentage change (APC) of −13.5 % (P < 0.001). The annual mortality rate of JE showed three stages of change, with inflection points in 2006 and 2014. The incidence and mortality rates of JE have declined in all provinces of China, and more cases were reported in 0–14 years of age, accounting for nearly 80 % of all patients. ConclusionsThe morbidity and mortality rates of JE in China are generally on a downward trend, and emphasis should be placed on strengthening disease surveillance in special areas and populations, popularizing vaccination, and increasing publicity.

Epidemiological features of seasonal influenza transmission among 11 climate zones in Chinese Mainland

BackgroundPrevious studies provided some evidence of meteorological factors influence seasonal influenza transmission patterns varying across regions and latitudes. However, research on seasonal influenza activities based on climate zones are still in lack. This study aims to utilize the ecological-based Köppen Geiger climate zones classification system to compare the spatial and temporal epidemiological characteristics of seasonal influenza in Chinese Mainland and assess the feasibility of developing an early warning system.MethodsWeekly influenza cases number from 2014 to 2019 at the county and city level were sourced from China National Notifiable Infectious Disease Report Information System. Epidemic temporal indices, time series seasonality decomposition, spatial modelling theories including Moran’s I and local indicators of spatial association were applied to identify the spatial and temporal patterns of influenza transmission.ResultsAll climate zones had peaks in Winter-Spring season. Arid, desert, cold (BWk) showed up the first peak. Only Tropical, savannah (Aw) and Temperate, dry winter with hot summer (Cwa) zones had unique summer peak. Temperate, no dry season and hot summer (Cfa) zone had highest average incidence rate (IR) at 1.047/100,000. The Global Moran’s I showed that average IR had significant clustered trend (z = 53.69, P < 0.001), with local Moran’s I identified high-high cluster in Cfa and Cwa. IR differed among three age groups between climate zones (0–14 years old: F = 26.80, P < 0.001; 15–64 years old: F = 25.04, P < 0.001; Above 65 years old: F = 5.27, P < 0.001). Age group 0–14 years had highest average IR in Cwa and Cfa (IR = 6.23 and 6.21) with unique dual peaks in winter and spring season showed by seasonality decomposition.ConclusionsSeasonal influenza exhibited distinct spatial and temporal patterns in different climate zones. Seasonal influenza primarily emerged in BWk, subsequently in Cfa and Cwa. Cfa, Cwa and BSk pose high risk for seasonal influenza epidemics. The research finds will provide scientific evidence for developing seasonal influenza early warning system based on climate zones.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, December 2023.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, December 2023.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, November 2023.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, November 2023.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases — China, August 2024*

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases — China, August 2024*

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, February 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, February 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, January 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, January 2024.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, July 2023.

Reported Cases and Deaths of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases - China, July 2023.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on reported tuberculosis incidence and mortality in China: An interrupted time series analysis.

The reported number of cases and deaths from common infectious diseases can change during major public health crises. We explored whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had an impact on tuberculosis (TB) incidence and mortality in China based on routinely reported TB data. We used TB data used from the monthly national notifiable infectious disease reports in China from January 2015 to January 2023. Based on an interrupted time series (ITS) design, we applied Poisson and negative binomial regression models to assess the changes of reported TB incidence and mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found a significant and immediate decrease in the levels of both reported TB incidence (relative risk (RR) = 0.887; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.810-0.973) and mortality (RR = 0.448; 95% CI = 0.351-0.572) at the start of COVID-19 outbreak. During the pandemic, the slope of reported incidence decreased significantly (RR = 0.994; 95% CI = 0.989-0.999), while the slope of reported mortality increased sharply (RR = 1.032; 95% CI = 1.022-1.041) owing to an abrupt rise in reported mortality after January 2022. Both TB incidence and mortality decreased immediately at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over a longer period, the COVID-19 pandemic had contributed to a sustained and more significant decrease in reported incidence, and a delayed but sharp increase in reported mortality.

Impact of meteorological factors on the incidence of hand-foot-mouth disease in Yangzhou from 2017 to 2022: a time series study.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a significant public health issue in China, and numerous studies have indicated a close association between HFMD incidence and meteorological factors. This study aims to investigate the relationship between meteorological factors and HFMD in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. HFMD case reports and meteorological data from Yangzhou City between 2017 and 2022 were extracted from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System and the Meteorological Data Sharing Service System, respectively. A generalized additive model (GAM) was employed to assess the exposure-response relationship between meteorological factors and HFMD. Subsequently, a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to explore the exposure-lag-effect of meteorological factors on HFMD. HFMD in Yangzhou City exhibits obvious seasonality and periodicity. There is an inverted "U" shaped relationship between average temperature and the risk of HFMD, with the maximum lag effect observed at a temperature of 25°C with lag 0 day (RR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.74-2.47). As the duration of sunshine and relative humidity increase, the risk of HFMD continuously rises, with the maximum lag effect observed at a sunshine duration of 12.4 h with a lag of 14 days (RR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.17-3.77), and a relative humidity of 28% with a lag of 14 days (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.64). There is a "U" shaped relationship between average atmospheric pressure and the risk of HFMD, with the maximum effect observed at an atmospheric pressure of 989 hPa with no lag (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25-1.69). As precipitation increases, the risk of HFMD decreases, with the maximum effect observed at a precipitation of 151 mm with a lag of 14 days (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.19-2.53). Meteorological factors including average temperature, average atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, precipitation, and sunshine duration significantly influenced the risk of HFMD in Yangzhou City. Effective prevention measures for HFMD should be implemented, taking into account the local climate conditions.

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Clinical Severity of Omicron and Delta Variants.

The Omicron variant is the dominant strain circulating globally, and studies have shown that Omicron cases have milder symptoms than Delta cases. This study aimed to analyze the factors that affect the clinical severity of Omicron and Delta variants, evaluate and compare the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines with different technological platforms, and assess the vaccine effectiveness against different variants. We retrospectively collected the basic information of all local COVID-19 cases reported by Hunan Province to the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System from January 2021 to February 2023, including gender, age, clinical severity, and COVID-19 vaccination history. From 1 January 2021 to 28 February 2023, Hunan Province reported a total of 60,668 local COVID-19 cases, of which, 134 were infected with the Delta variant and 60,534 were infected with the Omicron variant. The results showed that infection with the Omicron variant (adjusted OR (aOR): 0.21, 95% CI: 0.14-0.31), getting vaccinated (booster immunization vs. unvaccinated aOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.23-0.39) and being female (aOR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.79-0.85) were protective factors for pneumonia, while old age (≥60 years vs. <3 years aOR: 4.58, 95% CI: 3.36-6.22) was a risk factor for pneumonia. Being vaccinated (booster immunization vs. unvaccinated aOR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.09-0.15) and female (aOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.50-0.59) were protective factors for severe cases, while older age (≥60 years vs. < 3 years aOR: 4.95, 95% CI: 1.83-13.39) was a risk factor for severe cases. The three types of vaccines had protective effects on both pneumonia and severe cases, and the protective effect on severe cases was better than that on pneumonia. The recombinant subunit vaccine booster immunization had the best protective effect on pneumonia and severe cases, with ORs of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.2-0.44) and 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02-0.17), respectively. The risk of pneumonia from Omicron variant infection was lower than that from Delta. Chinese-produced vaccines had protective effects on both pneumonia and severe cases, with recombinant subunit vaccines having the best protective effect on pneumonia and severe pneumonia cases. Booster immunization should be advocated in COVID-19 pandemic-related control and prevention policies, especially for the elderly, and booster immunization should be accelerated.

Epidemiological characteristics of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever in China, 2004-2020

Objective: To analyze the incidence trend and epidemiological characteristics of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever in China from 2004 to 2020, understand the high-incidence population and hotspot areas, and provide evidences to develop more targeted prevention and control measures. Methods: The descriptive epidemiological method and spatial analysis method were applied to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever in China during this period by using the surveillance data collected from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: A total of 202 991 cases of typhoid fever were reported in China from 2004 to 2020. More cases occurred in men than in women (sex ratio: 1.18∶1). Most cases were reported in adults aged 20-59 years (53.60%). The incidence rate of typhoid fever decreased from 2.54/100 000 in 2004 to 0.38/100 000 in 2020. The highest incidence rate was reported in young children aged <3 years after 2011, ranging from 1.13/100 000 to 2.78/100 000, and during this period the proportion of cases in this age group increased from 3.48% to 15.59%. The proportion of the cases in the elderly aged ≥60 years increased from 6.46% in 2004 to 19.34% in 2020. The hotspot areas existed in Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi and Sichuan Provinces and expanded to Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Fujian Provinces. A total of 86 226 paratyphoid fever cases were reported from 2004 to 2020, the male to female ratio of the cases was 1.21∶1. Most cases were reported in adults aged 20-59 years (59.80%). The incidence rate of paratyphoid fever decreased from 1.26/100 000 in 2004 to 0.12/100 000 in 2020. The highest incidence rate of paratyphoid fever was in young children aged <3 years after 2007, ranging from 0.57/100 000 to 1.19/100 000, and during this period the proportion of the cases in this age group increased from 1.48% to 30.92%. The proportion of the cases in the elderly aged ≥60 years increased from 4.52% in 2004 to 22.28% in 2020. The hotspot areas expanded to the east, including Guangdong, Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces, from Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangxi Provinces. Conclusions: The results showed a low level of incidence of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever in China with a trend of decreasing per year. The hotspots were mainly in the of Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi and Sichuan Provinces, with an expanding trend to eastern China. It is necessary to strengthen the typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever prevention and control in southwestern China, among young children aged <3 years and the elderly aged ≥60 years.

Changing spatiotemporal patterns for hepatitis of unspecified aetiology in China, 2004-2021: a population-based surveillance study.

As global efforts continue toward the target of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030, the emergence of acute hepatitis of unspecified aetiology (HUA) remains a concern. This study assesses the overall trends and changes in spatiotemporal patterns in HUA in China from 2004 to 2021. We extracted the incidence and mortality rates of HUA from the Public Health Data Center, the official website of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, and the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System from 2004 to 2021. We used R software, ArcGIS, Moran's statistical analysis, and joinpoint regression to examine the spatiotemporal patterns and annual percentage change in incidence and mortality of the HUA across China. From 2004 to 2021, a total of 707,559 cases of HUA have been diagnosed, including 636 deaths. The proportion of HUA in viral hepatitis gradually decreased from 7.55% in 2004 to 0.72% in 2021. The annual incidence of HUA decreased sharply from 6.6957 per 100,000 population in 2004 to 0.6302 per 100,000 population in 2021, with an average annual percentage change (APC) reduction of -13.1% (p < 0.001). The same result was seen in the mortality (APC, -22.14%, from 0.0089/100,000 in 2004 to 0.0002/100,000 in 2021, p < 0.001). All Chinese provinces saw a decline in incidence and mortality. Longitudinal analysis identified the age distribution in the incidence and mortality of HUA did not change and was highest in persons aged 15-59 years, accounting for 70% of all reported cases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, no significant increase was seen in pediatric HUA cases in China. China is experiencing an unprecedented decline in HUA, with the lowest incidence and mortality for 18 years. However, it is still important to sensitively monitor the overall trends of HUA and further improve HUA public health policy and practice in China.