An Introduction to the Prevention and Control of Vector-Transmitted Diseases

(en.nhfpc.gov.cn)

Updated: 2014-07-15

National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China

April 3, 2014

I. Overview of Vector-Transmitted Diseases in China

There are a great number of vector species in China, which are widely distributed and spreading. There is a higher risk of vector species being imported from other regions, and vector species are becoming increasingly drug resistant.

China is a large country with tropical, subtropical and temperate climate zones; diversified geographical landscapes; and ecological environments. As a result, vector species are extremely diversified. With the development of globalization, climate change, ecological changes and urbanization, vectors are finding their way to more and more regions. There is an increasingly higher risk of vectors being transmitted to and being imported from other regions, and vector species are becoming increasingly drug resistant.

Since 2005, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been monitoring major vector species on a countrywide basis, with the monitoring network covering 43 prefecture-level cities in 19 provinces (municipalities). Many provinces have made efforts of their own to do relevant monitoring work.

The monitoring results in recent years reveal that the overall density of vector species has been steadily declining. However, there are currently some factors that affect the distribution and density of some significant vector species, thus indirectly having an impact on the epidemic risk of related contagious diseases. First, globalization has had an impact. Various kinds of large-scale transportations and increasingly frequent and convenient transport have facilitated the diffusion and transmission of vector species and pathogens on a global basis, which means that the spreading of pathogens has become more risky. For instance, the number of vector species intercepted by Chinese customs has increased progressively year after year.

Second, climate change is a factor. The constantly increasing average global temperature has influenced the distribution scope and density of vector species. For instance, Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, two main vector species of dengue fever, have been constantly expanding northward.