Importation of yellow fever into China: assessing travel patterns

Abstract

Rapid increase in trade and a growing air passenger market encourages high travel volume between the regions associated with increasing risks of such importations including China. Eleven Chinese workers infected during the 2016 yellow fever (YF) outbreak in Angola imported YF into China highlighting the potential for spread into Asia. Using outbound and inbound travel data, we assessed travel patterns from and to YF endemic countries in relation to China. Among YF endemic countries, Angola has the second highest number of travellers into China and also receives the second highest number of Chinese visitors. We estimated that China needs around half a million YF vaccine doses to cover their population travelling to YF endemic countries. The recent importation cases into China also unmasked the low YF vaccination coverage among Chinese travellers and workers to Angola, indicating the need to ensure better adherence to the International Health Regulations.

The Relationship between the Migrant Population’s Migration Network and the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in China—Empirical Analysis and Prediction in Prefecture-Level Cities

“…The following emergency plans need to be prioritized in these important node regions: (1) Plans for the deployment of vaccines, the provision of detection reagents, the provision of protective equipment (masks, disinfectants), and the provision of disease prevention personnel [17,33] will interfere with disease transmission through biosecurity measures. (2) Carrying out the construction of emergency isolation facilities (such as temporary infectious disease hospitals or reconstruction plans), plans for the control and isolation of populations returning to their hometowns, plans for suspension of school and work [1], and strict adherence to universal precautions in health care settings are critical in controlling the transmission of disease through isolation measures in these node cities.…”

Potential yellow fever epidemics in unexposed populations

“…aegypti. 9 The people in these regions have had no previous exposure to yellow fever virus, are not covered by routine vaccination for the disease, and therefore have no immunity.…”

What Does the Future Hold for Yellow Fever Virus? (I)

“…This is relevant because it has been estimated that around 500,000 people/year travel from China to regions where YFV circulates and thus, are potentially exposed to the YFV, as observed during the 2015-2016 outbreak in Angola [186]. Although it may be quite difficult in many respects, YFV surveillance involving data relative to the origin and/or the genetic background would be most useful to gain insights into this issue.…”