The first local case of mpox caused by an imported case in the Chinese mainland

Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus (MPXV) that has been primarily limited to Central and West African nations since its discovery. The recent spread of the West African lineage of MPXV in historically unaffected countries has raised concerns for global public health. Despite a significant decrease in global mpox cases, there is still a risk of a global resurgence. This study reports the first local case of mpox caused by an imported case in the Chinese mainland. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosed the two cases, and the viral genomes were obtained by next-generation sequencing. Genomic analysis revealed that the two strains shared an identical genome sequence and belonged to the B.1.3 branch of the West African lineage, which is the first local case of mpox caused by an imported case in the Chinese mainland, highlighting the potential threat of mpox in China and the immediate need for adequate surveillance measures.

A Retrospective Modeling Study of the Targeted Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions During the Xinfadi Outbreak in the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic — Beijing, China, 2020

Summary What is already known about this topic?China has repeatedly contained multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)outbreaks through a comprehensive set of targeted nonpharmaceutical interventions(NPIs).However,the effectiveness of such NPIs has not been systematically assessed.

A Local Cluster of Omicron Variant COVID-19 Likely Caused by Internationally Mailed Document——Beijing Municipality,China,January 2022

On January 15,2022,a 26 years old female(Case A)went to a sampling site for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)testing due to excessive fatigue and fever for two days.This patient preliminarily tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)using a quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)method.

Epidemiological Investigation of an Inhalational Anthrax Patient Traveling for Medical Treatment in Beijing Municipality,China,August 2021

Summary What is already known about this topic?Inhalational anthrax,also known as pulmonary anthrax,is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis.The patients are usually infected by inhaling aerosolized B.anthracis spores from dead animals or animal products.Compared to cutaneous anthrax,inhalational anthrax is rare and deadly and few cases in China were reported.What is added by this report?This report covers all information of clinical features,laboratory testing,and epidemiological characteristics as well as exposure history of a recent primary inhalational anthrax patient who was seeking medical treatment in Beijing Municipality in August 2021.New laboratory techniques,including second-generation sequencing,polymerase chain reaction,and rapid test for serum antibody,played an important role in the process.What are the implications for public health practice?The information provided in this report,including the correct sample type,epidemiological investigation details,and application of the new diagnostic criteria of anthrax,could assist public health professionals in dealing with anthrax epidemics.