Health Risk Alert for July

July features high temperatures and frequent rainfall, creating favorable conditions for mosquito breeding and food spoilage. This period marks the peak season for intestinal infectious diseases, vector-borne diseases, and diseases of natural foci. Additionally, increased travel during the summer holidays may lead to the cross-regional spread of infectious diseases. Surveillance data from our province indicates rising cases of infectious diseases such as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), Scarlet Fever, Anthrax, and Bacillary Dysentery. Among acute respiratory diseases, the main pathogens detected include Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19).

When traveling during the summer holidays, be vigilant against diseases like HFMD, Scarlet Fever, Anthrax, Norovirus infectious diarrhea, and food poisoning. If traveling outside the province or abroad, check health risk information for your destination beforehand and make necessary preparations.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

HFMD is a common acute infectious disease in children aged 5 and under, caused by various enteroviruses. It occurs year-round, with peaks in spring/summer (April-July) and autumn (September-November). Most cases are mild, featuring fever and/or characteristic rashes or blisters on the hands, feet, buttocks, or mouth. A minority of patients may develop aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, neurogenic pulmonary edema, or myocarditis. In rare severe cases, the disease can progress rapidly and be fatal. Humans are the only known host for human enteroviruses. Infected individuals and asymptomatic carriers are the sources of infection. Fecal-oral transmission is a key route. People are generally susceptible to human enteroviruses.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever is an acute infectious disease caused primarily by Group A β-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes). It mainly affects children and is characterized by fever, sore throat (pharyngitis/tonsillitis), a diffuse scarlet-red rash covering the body, and subsequent peeling of the skin. Patients and carriers are the main sources of infection, with children and adolescents being the primary affected groups. Infectivity peaks 24 hours after symptom onset and remains high. Transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact, but can also happen via broken skin. Susceptibility is universal, with the highest incidence in children aged 3-9 years.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, primarily affecting herbivores like cattle and sheep. Humans usually contract it through contact with infected animals or animal products. There are three main clinical forms:

Cutaneous Anthrax (Most Common): Presents as localized skin swelling, progressing to papules, vesicles, ulcers, and finally a characteristic black eschar (scab).

Gastrointestinal Anthrax: Can manifest as acute gastroenteritis or an acute abdomen syndrome.

Inhalational Anthrax: Begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by the sudden onset of severe respiratory distress, cough, cyanosis, and bloody sputum.

Occupational groups at highest risk include those involved in raising, slaughtering, selling, or processing cattle, sheep, and their products (e.g., hides, wool).

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is an acute viral disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). The incubation period is 3-15 days. Main symptoms include fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain), muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, and mild bleeding manifestations.

Foodborne Diseases

Foodborne diseases are illnesses caused by consuming food or drink contaminated with harmful substances or pathogenic organisms. Summer's high temperatures and humidity increase the risk of microbial contamination of food, leading to bacterial foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, increased rainfall promotes the growth of poisonous mushrooms and toxic plants, raising the risk of poisoning from accidental ingestion. With the end of high school/college entrance exams and the start of summer holidays, increased outdoor dining and travel also heighten the risk of foodborne illness.

Preventive Measures:

Maintain Good Personal Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water using the proper technique after coughing or sneezing; avoid crowded, poorly ventilated public places whenever possible – wear a mask if you must go.

Get Vaccinated: Vaccination is the most effective and economical way to prevent infectious diseases. The EV71 vaccine effectively prevents HFMD caused by enterovirus 71, reducing severe cases and fatalities.

Avoid Contact with Sick Animals & Their Products: If you encounter sudden deaths of cattle, sheep, or other animals, adhere to the "three no's" principle: do not slaughter, do not eat, and do not sell. Report the incident immediately to the local agricultural/livestock department for handling. In daily life, purchase meat products from reputable sources; avoid buying or consuming meat from sick animals or unknown origins.

Install Screens & Prevent Mosquito Bites: Install screens on doors and windows (mosquito nets). When traveling, try to stay in air-conditioned hotels or those with screened windows. If neither air conditioning nor screens are available, use mosquito coils, insecticide sprays, and mosquito nets. If you develop suspicious symptoms while in or after returning from a Dengue-endemic area, seek medical attention promptly and inform the doctor of the potential Dengue exposure or travel history. Cooperate fully with local health authorities for treatment if diagnosed.

Exercise to Boost Immunity: Besides maintaining a nutritious diet, engage in regular physical exercise to strengthen your constitution. Activities like outdoor jogging, calisthenics, Tai Chi, or swimming are good choices to breathe fresh air, stretch, and stay fit. Remember to balance activity with rest; avoid excessive fatigue, which can weaken your immune system.

Practice Food Safety & Hygiene: Avoid consuming wild game, wild mushrooms, toxic plants, or food that looks or smells spoiled. Wash hands thoroughly before eating, after using the toilet, and before handling food. Both canteens and households should strictly control food quality. Ensure food is cooked thoroughly before consumption. Maintain strict separation of raw and cooked foods during preparation and storage. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, or bloody stools occur.