Molecular Identification and Genetic Characterization of Public Health Threatening Ticks — Chongming Island, China, 2021–2022

   This study conducted on Chongming Island, China, revealed a significant prevalence of pathogenic ticks, including Haemaphysalis (H.) longicornis and H. flava. The research also identifies two previously unreported tick species on the island, H. doentzi and H. japonica. The findings highlight the potential risk of tick-borne diseases to the human and animal populations on Chongming Island and underscore the need for proactive tick surveillance and effective screening of suspected clinical cases. The study was conducted between 2021 and 2022, with ticks collected from 18 towns and four protected regions on the island. Molecular methodologies were used to identify the tick species and assess their genetic diversity and neutrality. This research provides valuable insights into the biology and distribution of ticks on Chongming Island and calls for urgent public health measures to mitigate the risks posed by tick-borne diseases.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.156

Assessment of Tick-Borne Diseases in Hainan Province, China

   Hainan Island, located in southern China's tropical region, is known for its year-round presence of active tick vectors. These ticks have the potential to transmit various tick-borne diseases to animals and humans. A recent study conducted on the island explores the spatial distribution of tick species and emerging tick-borne infections. The research found that Hainan is home to 21 species of hard ticks, representing approximately 17% of all tick species in China. The most common tick genus found on the island is Rhipicephalus, followed by Haemaphysalis and Amblyomma ticks. The study also identified 20 different tick-borne pathogens, including bacteria, protozoans, and viruses. Notably, Rickettsia species were found to be the primary agents causing tick-borne diseases on Hainan Island, with human infections reported across different regions of the island. This study sheds light on the prevalence and distribution of tick species and tick-borne infections in Hainan, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and control measures to mitigate the risk of these diseases.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.157

Advancements in Defining and Estimating the Reproduction Number in Infectious Disease Epidemiology

   Advancements in defining and estimating the reproduction number in infectious disease epidemiology are the focus of this research progress report. The text categorizes reproduction numbers into three types and analyzes various methods used for estimating these numbers. The review aims to provide a concise introduction to help beginners and non-specialists understand the complex estimation methods and applications. The importance of reproduction numbers in understanding the transmissibility of infectious diseases and evaluating the effectiveness of public health measures is emphasized. The report highlights the lack of a standardized method for calculating and reporting reproduction numbers, addressing the issue of variability. The research involved an extensive search of relevant papers, with 60 selected for further analysis out of over 7,000 identified. This research is valuable for public health officials, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding and combating infectious diseases.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.158