I. General Situation of the Epidemics

In the 39th week of 2008 (from 0 a.m. on Sep. 29 to 12 p.m. on Oct. 5), 1,690 cases of 14 kinds of legal infectious diseases and 0 dead case are reported in 18 districts and counties in Beijing. Among them, there are 584 cases of 9 kinds of class B infectious diseases, down 57.86％ from last week and down 32.87％ from the same period of last year. The top five categories of diseases with the highest incidence rates are: diarrhea (439 cases), tuberculosis (48 cases), hepatitis B (25 cases), gonorrhea (20 cases), syphilis (14 cases) and scarlet fever (14 cases); 1,106 cases of five kinds of class C infectious diseases are reported, down 18.50％ from last week and down 20.26％ from the same period of last year.

1106 cases of infectious diarrhea, hand-foot-mouth disease, epidemic parotitis, urticaria and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis were reported, accounting for 65.44 % of the total number of legal infectious diseases.

　
II. Analysis of the Major Epidemics

(1) Diarrhea

This week， 439 cases are reported throughout the city, down 30.10% from last week and down 38.26% from the same period of last year. Scattered-living children, students, cadres, retirees, domestic helpers and unemployed people account for 79.27% of the reported patients.

(2) Chickenpox

This week, 95 cases of chickenpox were reported, down 29.63% from last week. The infected were mainly pupils and preschool children, who account for 82.11% of the reported patients. However, no cases of cumulative outbreaks are reported.

Ⅲ. Special Reminder

Owing to the significant diurnal temperature fluctuations at present, the number of respiratory communicable disease cases is likely to soar. Thus before the onset of a possible outbreak, health and epidemic prevention authorities at all levels must take immediate action to enhance disease prevention and control, and disseminate knowledge regarding the prevention and treatment of respiratory communicable diseases among citizens, who, specifically, should be recommended to change clothes according to weathers and temperatures, take more outdoor exercises, keep away from public locations where the density of people is high, and vaccinate against influenza (this is particularly important for old and frail people and other high risk groups). As for schools, kindergartens and public organizations, daily ventilation is essential. In addition, government departments in charge of health and epidemic prevention must pay special attention to disease monitoring and epidemic reports.