Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Drinking Water Type of Endemic Fluorosis — China, 2009–2022

   Major Health Breakthrough in China — Fluorosis Rates Plummet. In a groundbreaking report, researchers reveal a significant decrease in dental fluorosis among children in China between 2009 to 2022. Once plagued by high fluoride levels in drinking water causing serious dental health issues, China has seen a remarkable turnaround. The detection rate in kids aged 8–12 dropped dramatically, from nearly 35% to just over 10%. The study suggests a shifting landscape of public health priorities, with a demand for revised policies that no longer only target high-incidence areas but include robust monitoring systems and early warning measures to control fluoride exposure. Data sourced from the Chinese CDC's Endemic Disease Control Center point to a success story in public health with implications that could impact fluorosis prevention worldwide. Despite the improvements, cities like Tianjin remain at high risk, signaling the need for targeted local action. Journalists are encouraged to explore this story of triumph over a longstanding public health issue. 

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.006

The Combined Effects of High Temperatures and Ozone Pollution on Medical Emergency Calls — Jinan City, Shandong Province, China, 2013–2019

   A study conducted in Jinan City, Shandong Province, China, using a time-stratified case-crossover design, assessed the combined effects of high temperature and ozone (O3) pollution on emergency medical calls (MECs) from 2013 to 2019. The results reveal that both high temperatures and O3 pollution independently increase MECs, with their combined impact further escalating this risk, particularly for neurological diseases. This study is significant in understanding the acute health effects of environmental factors, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and proactive measures during peak summer periods to mitigate potential health risks. While the study presents valuable findings, it also notes limitations, including the use of urban monitoring data averages for individual exposure assessment and the exclusion of data beyond 2019 due to COVID-19. The research underscores the importance of considering the combined effects of temperature and O3 pollution in urban health planning and public health initiatives.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.007

Associations Between Air Temperature and Daily Varicella Cases — Jinan City, Shandong Province, China, 2019–2021

   This study investigates the influence of air temperature on varicella incidence in Jinan, China, from 2019 to 2021, with a focus on gender and age differences. Utilizing a distributed lag non-linear model, the research analyzed varicella cases reported in the Chinese infectious diseases system, alongside meteorological data. Key findings reveal that lower temperatures significantly impact varicella incidence in males more than females, especially within 1-4 days of exposure. Children are more affected by lower temperatures compared to adults, with effects lasting up to 10 days, while adults experience shorter impacts of around 2 days. The study underscores the importance of considering gender and age when assessing risks and implementing public health measures for temperature-related infectious diseases like varicella. These insights are vital for developing targeted varicella prevention strategies, particularly in regions with varying temperature conditions. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between environmental factors and infectious diseases, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in healthcare and public health planning.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.008

Disease and Economic Burden of Kashin-Beck Disease — China, 2021

   A new study aims to quantify the burden and economic impact of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in China for 2021, a disease-causing disability in children and adolescents due to a chronic osteoarthritic condition with unknown causes. Research indicates a sharp decline in prevalence due to effective prevention measures, with no new child cases reported in recent years. The study analyzed data from 13 provincial-level administrative divisions over 2002–2021, using years lived with disability (YLDs) to measure the disease's impact on quality of life. Disability weights adopted from the Global Burden of Disease study classified KBD severity into three categories for YLD calculations. The indirect economic burden of KBD was assessed using the Human Capital Method, adjusting for productivity weights by age group. Notably, incidence rates have plummeted to near zero in all regions studied, a remarkable triumph attributed to aggressive national control measures. This research is critical for policymakers to inform ongoing strategies to confront KBD. Journalists covering health policy, endemic diseases, or socioeconomic research may find this study particularly relevant. The paper's findings underscore the achievements in KBD prevention in China while highlighting the need for sustained efforts to support existing patients.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.009